NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 25 — Opposition Leader Raila Odinga Sunday attended the burial service for the late President of Namibia, Hage Geingob, at the Acre of Heroes, on the outskirts of Windhoek.
Odinga, accompanied by Azimio Coalition Spokesperson Makau Mutua, reflected on the enduring legacy the late leader who he said has shaped the “continent’s collective journey”.
“In Windhoek, to bid our final farewells at the state funeral of His Excellency Hage Geingob, the President of Namibia. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of a leader and the significance of honoring those who have shaped our continent’s collective journey,” he said.
On Saturday, President William Ruto joined over a doze Heads of State from the continent and beyond at a State memorial service held at the Independence Stadium in the Namibian capital.
In his tribute, Ruto called for the economic empowerment and political emancipation of the continent as a way to honour the late Nambian President.
“Together as a continent, believing in what President Geingob believed in, we must reform our African Union (AU) so that it becomes of the epicentre of green growth,” he said.
Visionary leader
Ruto eulogised the late President as a visionary leader and one of the architects of the Namibian constitution that has given his country political stability.
“He stood tall as a pan-Africanist who believed in the unity of our continent,” Ruto said.
Other leaders who attended the funeral service include South Africa President Cyril Rampahosa, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa his Mozambique counterpart Filipe Nyusi; and Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan, among others.
Hundreds of citizens and more than a dozen African and world leaders bid farewell to the late President of Namibia who died on Feb. 4 at the age of 82, at a solemn state funeral on Saturday.
Geingob assumed the presidency in 2015 and was due to end his second and final term in 2024.
Following his demise, his deputy, Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba, assumed as President to complete the term.
Geingob passed away on February 4 while undergoing treatment. He had battled cancer since 2014.
