President of Namibia Hage Gottfried Geingob
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Hage Geingob, known for his preference for striped suits, was a president perceived as both humble and experienced.
His character, shaped by his leadership roles in Namibia and abroad, presented a complex image - seen by some as a politician with a clean reputation and by others as a shrewd player. Kenyans remember Geingob's advocacy for a "handshake" between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, once political adversaries. This historic event occurred at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County during the Mashujaa Day celebrations. Geingob, a guest President at the time, raised the arms of Kenyatta and Odinga symbolizing unity, an act applauded by then-Deputy President (now President) William Ruto.
On Sunday, Ruto praised Geingob as a staunch advocate for a united Africa, actively promoting the continent's voice globally. Kenyatta expressed gratitude for Geingob's contributions to Namibia and Africa. In Namibia, Geingob is hailed as a hero of liberation. President Ruto yesterday joined the crowd at Bukhungu Stadium in paying their respects to the departed President, observing a moment of silence. He also ordered the Kenyan flag to fly at half-mast. Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula joined Ruto in expressing condolences.
Namibia is gearing up for its 2024 general election. One of Geingob's legacies includes transparency about his illness, a rarity in some African nations. On February 1, the Presidency revealed he received cancer treatment in the US but was later hospitalized in Windhoek. He served as the nation's third leader and held the position of the head of the ruling South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO). He married Monica Geingos in 2015. He had three children from previous marriages.
Geingob's involvement in protests against South Africa's apartheid regime labelled him a criminal by the colonial government. Initially expelled from college, he later returned, contributing to a narrative of fighting for freedom and human rights.