President William Ruto’s tribute to Namibia’s founding President Sam Nujoma has sparked debate online, with reactions ranging from praise to sharp criticism.
Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba announced that Nujoma died on Saturday in Windhoek at the age of 95. He had been hospitalised for three weeks with an illness from which he “could not recover.”
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Namibia in mourning the passing away of their founding President Dr Sam Nujoma,” Ruto posted on his X page.
“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.”
Mbumba said Nujoma’s death had “shaken” the country, adding, “He inspired us to rise to our feet and to become masters of this vast land of our ancestors.
Our founding father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served the people of his beloved country.”
Nujoma led Namibia’s independence struggle against South African rule after founding the South West People’s Organisation (Swapo) in the 1960s.
He became the country’s first president in 1990 and served until 2005. Revered as the “father of the nation,” he continued to lead Swapo until stepping down in 2007 after 47 years at the helm.
Born in the northern village of Etunda, Nujoma had a modest start in life with little formal education.
He became involved in politics in the 1950s, leading the Owamboland People’s Organisation before being forced into exile in 1960.
He travelled through Africa before reaching New York, where he petitioned the United Nations for Namibia’s independence.
Branded a “Marxist terrorist” by South Africa’s white-minority leaders, Nujoma led Swapo’s armed struggle against the apartheid regime with support from Cuban troops fighting in neighbouring Angola.
He returned to lead Namibia upon its independence in 1990.
Ruto’s eulogy, however, triggered mixed reactions on social media.
Some Kenyans questioned his description of Nujoma, while others used the moment to criticise his leadership.
One user, @Samuelnugari, asked, “Mr know-it-all, how do you know he was selfless?” while @Jimakach wrote, “Implementing the housing levy and the NSSF/NHIF increment was the beginning of your downfall.”
Others reacted with sarcasm, with @Kenyanson254 asking, “Mkuu unaenda hiyo funeral when?” (Boss, when are you attending the funeral?).
Another user, @muchiri_uri, remarked, “He made good use of his genuinely acquired PhD to transform Namibia.”
Some made morbid references, with @Owen_cert commenting, “Just the way you are quick to mourn other dignitaries, we will be quicker when your turn comes,” while @TLSwan243126 added, “Yours will take Kenya by a standstill.”
Despite the criticism, some users expressed condolences, with @NSHIMIYIMANASI8 stating, “So sad indeed!”
