Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is set to travel to Windhoek, Namibia, to attend the burial of the country’s founding President Sam Nujoma, who passed away on February 8 at the age of 95.
Speaking during a consultative forum with grassroots leaders from Tharaka Nithi, Meru, and Embu, Kindiki explained that he had to adjust the timing of the meeting to accommodate his official trip.
“I received a message that I must travel this morning for an official function in Namibia. I had the option to cancel this meeting, but that would have put me in a difficult position. I value your friendship, so I chose to reschedule and let the meeting continue after we finalize our plans,” Kindiki shared.
A national memorial service for Nujoma will be held today at the Independence Stadium, where citizens and leaders will gather to honor him.
Nujoma will be laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre tomorrow, with President Nangolo Mbumba declaring the day a public holiday.
Nujoma was a key figure in Namibia’s struggle for independence, leading the Southwest Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) from the 1960s.
After Namibia gained independence in 1990, Nujoma became the first president, serving until 2005. Though he retired from the presidency in 2005, Nujoma continued to lead SWAPO until stepping down in 2007 after 47 years at the helm.
