President William Ruto has expressed his condolences following the death of Sam Nujoma, remembering him as a courageous and visionary leader who dedicated his life to Namibia’s liberation and development.
In his message, President Ruto conveyed Kenya’s solidarity with the people of Namibia, saying, “We stand with the people of Namibia in mourning the passing of their founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma. Our thoughts and love are with his family and the people of Namibia during this time of grief. Rest in peace, Africa’s hero!”
Nujoma, Namibia’s first elected president, passed away at the age of 95. The Namibian Presidency confirmed his death on Sunday, stating;
“It is with utmost sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of our revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader. The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken.”
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Nujoma had been hospitalized in Windhoek for three weeks before succumbing to his illness. He is survived by his wife, Kovambo (91), and their children.
As a founding member of the South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO), Nujoma was instrumental in Namibia’s liberation, leading armed resistance from Angola against South Africa’s illegal occupation.
His efforts were key in mobilizing the Namibian people to force the withdrawal of South African forces.
On March 21, 1990, Nujoma became Namibia’s first president after the country raised its flag for the first time. He led the nation for 15 years before stepping down in 2005.
Born to poor farmers from the Ovambo tribe, Nujoma was the eldest of 10 children. He began working as a railway sweeper in 1949 while attending night classes that fueled his political awareness.
In the late 1950s, he joined Black workers in Windhoek to resist forced relocations, and by 1960, he had gone into exile and was elected to lead SWAPO, the movement that ultimately secured Namibia’s independence.
