Thousands of mourners, including government officials, gathered at Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport at Ondangwa to witness the arrival of founding president Sam Nujoma’s body on Thursday.
His body was flown from Windhoek to his home village of Etunda in the Omusati region.
Mourners flocked to the airport from as early as 06h00 for the occassion.
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba and Nujoma’s immediate family joined the crowd.
Nujoma died at the age of 95 at a local hospital in Windhoek on 8 February.
Former People’s Liberation Army of Namibia combatants were singing liberation songs in honour of Nujoma.
The president’s coffin was taken to the streets of Ondangwa and Oshakati in a convoy of military vehicles as thousands of people lined the roadside to witness the procession – many in tears.
Some wore T-shirts bearing Nujoma’s portrait, while others were seen carrying Swapo flags and carrying portraits bearing his face.
Among the mourners were many pupils and elders.
A memorial service will be held at Etunda village and Nujoma’s body will lie in state at the village tonight, before being taken to Eenhana for another memorial service.
Nujoma will be buried at Heroes’ Acre on 1 March.
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