Raila arrives in Namibia for burial of former President Geingob

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga arrived in Windhoek, Namibia on Sunday February 25, 2024 to attend the burial ceremony for former President Hage Geingob.

Raila shared a statement on his X account, with a photo of him with other leaders who accompanied him in Windhoek.

“In Windhoek, to bid our final farewells at the state funeral of his excellency Hage Geingob, the President of Namibia,” Raila noted.

The ODM party leader added that he was reflecting on the enduring legacy of the late former President Hage Geingob.

“Reflecting on the enduring legacy of a leader and the significance of honoring those who have shaped our continent’s collective journey,” he stated.

President William Ruto with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu in Windhoek, Namibia during the funeral service for the late former President Hage Geingob. Photo: William Ruto/X

Burial service and wreath laying ceremony for the late former president of Namibia was scheduled to take place at the Heroes’ Acre monument on Sunday February 25.

This comes at a time when Raila Odinga has declared interest in contesting for the position of African Union chairperson.

He is targeting to take over from the current AU chairperson Moussa Faki whose term ends early 2025.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto was in Namibia on Saturday February 24, 2024 where he attended the State funeral of Geingob.

Ruto joined other Heads of State for Geingob’s memorial service at the Independence Stadium.

Other leaders present included Presidents Nangolo Mbumba (Namibia), Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Germany), Suluhu Samia (Tanzania), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), and Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi).

Also present was President Felix Tshisekedi (DRC Congo), Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), João Lourenço (Angola), Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), Filipe Nyusi (Mozambique), Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi), Sauli Niinistö (Finland), and Madagascar Prime Minister Christian Louis Ntsay.

Speaking during the burial service President Ruto eulogized President Hage Geingob as a celebrated leader who served the people of Namibia with diligence.

“Africa has lost a progressive leader whose powerful voice for a more united continent will never peter out.

“Kenya stands with the people of Namibia at this dark moment. Rest In Peace,” stated Ruto.

Geingob, succumbed to cancer at the age of 82 years in January 2024.

He was elected as President of Namibia in 2015 and was serving his second term in office when he died.

Additionally, he will be remembered for his key role in the struggle for liberation and amending Namibia’s Constitution for the benefit of the citizens.