WINDHOEK – The Ovaherero Traditional Authority Paramount Chief Kuaima Riruako (79) passed away in the Roman Catholic Hospital yesterday afternoon after spending several weeks in the intensive care unit.
Chief Riruako, who was also the president of the opposition, National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) was born in Aminius in the Omaheke Region, was diagnosed with high blood pressure also called ‘the silent killer’. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular and kidney disease.
The late Riruako was elected to succeed Chief Clemens Kapuuo in 1978 soon after the assignation of Chief Kapuuo. Chief Riruako is a founding member of Nudo. President Hifikepunye Pohamba was one of the last people to see Riruako alive after visiting the ailing chief and political stalwart in hospital just an hour before his death yesterday, according to the late Riruako’s nephew and family spokesperson, Dr Hoze Riruako. “The old man has passed on, the president was here and we took him through, he came around 15h00. The chief passed away around 16h00,” the family spokesperson told New Era. Riruako was the seventh paramount chief of the Ovaherero.
Chiefs who served before him include Chief Tjirwe (before 1842) Chief Tjamuaha (1842–1861), Chief Maharero (1861–1890) Chief Samuel Maharero (1890–1917) Chief Hosea Kutako (1917–1970) and Chief Clemens Kapuuo (1970–1978).
mhaufiku@newera.com.na