Ruto Reveals How Kenya Will Mourn Namibia President Hage Geingob

Before making the announcement, President Ruto called upon the congregation to observe a moment of silence in honour of the late Geingob.

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Feb 4, 2024 - 15:52
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Ruto Reveals How Kenya Will Mourn Namibia President Hage Geingob
Collage of the late Namibia President Hage Geingob and Kenya President William Ruto. /FACEBOOK.PCS

President William Ruto on Sunday, February 4, announced that Kenya will fly all its flags at half mast in solidarity with the people of Namibia following the death of their president Hage Geingob.

Speaking during an interdenominational church service at the Approved School Grounds in Kakamega County, the Head of State revealed that State officials were waiting to be fully updated on the developments before announcing when Kenya's mourning period would begin and conclude.

"I would like to ask everyone involved, when we get the complete reports, we will, with respect, fly our flags at half-mast to honour our departed friend and an African leader," he announced.

Before making the announcement, President Ruto called upon the congregation to observe a moment of silence in honour of the late Geingob.

President William Ruto speaking during an interdenominational church service at the Approved School Grounds in Kakamega County on February 4, 2024. /PCS

Earlier, in reaction to news of Geingob's demise, Ruto condoled the late president's family for their loss while celebrating Geingob as a distinguished leader who served with diligence.

"He was a believer of a unified Africa and strongly promoted the continent’s voice and visibility at the global arena," he wrote on his social media pages, adding "May God give the people of Namibia strength and courage during this difficult period."

In a subsequent post, First Lady Rachel Ruto praised Geingob for his dedication towards advancing Namibia and that his leadership will forever be cherished across the globe.

"His legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration and guidance during this challenging time. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and a dear sister to me, H.E. Monica Geingos, his children, his family, and the entire nation of Namibia," she wrote.

Dr Nangolo Mbumba, who has just been sworn in as the President of Namibia, had revealed on Sunday that Geingob died at the midnight hours at Lady Pohamba Hospital where he was receiving medical treatment from his medical team. At his side, was his dear wife Madame Monica Geingos and his children.

"His medical team, as I informed the nation only yesterday has been trying its utmost best to ensure that our President recovers. Regrettably, notwithstanding the team’s spirited effort to save his life, sadly, fellow Namibians, President Geingob passed on," Mbumba announced in a media release.

At the moment of deepest sorrow, Mbumba appealed to the Namibian citizens to remain calm and collected while the Government attends to all necessary state arrangements, preparations and other protocols. Further announcements in this regard will be made.

"While keeping the President’s bereaved family, and you, dear fellow Namibians, in our thoughts and prayers, the Cabinet will convene with immediate effect to make the necessary state arrangements in this regard," he added.

Other Kenyan leaders to have sent their messages of condolence include Raila Odinga and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“His legacy as a beacon of the liberation struggle and architect of Namibia's constitution will forever echo in the hearts of his people and across Africa,” the former Prime Minister remembered Geingob. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Government and the people of Namibia during this difficult time of grieving and loss,” Uhuru remarked. 

As prime minister in 2014, the late Geingob told the public that he had survived prostate cancer. He became president the following year, with Namibia currently due to hold its General Elections at the end of 2024.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the late Namibia President Hage Geingob at a past meeting. /PSCU

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