Founding President of independent Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma?FILE
President William Ruto has condoled with the family of the founding President of independent Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma.
In his message, Ruto described Nujoma as a selfless, courageous, and visionary leader who will be remembered as Africa’s hero.
He went on to say that the former President dedicated his life to the liberation of Namibia and its development.
He added that he stands in solidarity with the people of Namibia as they come to terms with his death.
The President also prayed for comfort to Nujoma’s family and friends.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Namibia in mourning the passing away of their founding President Dr Sam Nujoma. President Nujoma was a selfless, courageous and visionary leader who dedicated his life to the liberation and development of his country.
“Our thoughts and love are with the family and the people of Namibia at this time of grief. Rest In Peace, Africa’s hero!” Ruto said on Sunday.
Sam Nujoma’s death was announced by President Nangola Mbumba.
He died on Saturday, at the age of 95, in the capital, Windhoek.
Mbumba said Nujoma had been hospitalised over the past three weeks with an illness from which he "could not recover”.
Nujoma led the long fight for independence from South Africa in 1990 after helping found Namibia's liberation movement known as the South West Peoples' Organisation (Swapo) in the 1960s.
After independence, Nujoma became president in 1990 and led the country until 2005.
Nujoma retired as head of state in 2005 but continued to lead the party before stepping down in 2007 as president of the ruling Swapo party after 47 years at the helm.
