President Ruto: Nujoma was a freedom fighter, Africa's liberation hero

Namibia's founding President Sam Nujoma. [AFP]

President William Ruto has paid tribute to Namibia's founding President Sam Nujoma, describing him as a selfless leader who dedicated his life to the country's independence and progress.

Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba announced that Nujoma died on Saturday in the capital 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," said Ruto 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 from exile in 1989, a year before Namibia gained independence.

As president, Nujoma introduced policies to support children and women, including maintenance payments for absent fathers and laws protecting widows.

He prioritised national stability to support development efforts.

Namibia will hold a period of national mourning to honour Nujoma's legacy.