OKATUPAPA – Tensions flared up during the burial of a prominent NUDO member, Jan Vaanda Kangombo, at the small enclave of Okatupapa, near Okondjatu in Otjozondjupa region where politicians took turns to pepper mourners with their political aspirations.
The late Kangombo, died in a Windhoek hospital a day after his 53rd birthday. He was the personal driver of the late Paramount Chief of the Ovaherero people Dr Kuaima Riruako. His death follows short on the heels of another Riruako confidante, Chief Tumbee Tjombe, who died shortly after the paramount chief’s death.
Instead of addressing mouners, the Councilor of the Okakarara Constituency Vetaruhe Kandorozu, diverted from his prepared eulogy for the deceased resolving to have a go at the ruling party.
“It’s almost election time, and of course time for change. Its clear that Swapo is falling apart as can be attested by remarks attributed to Peter Ilonga, who described the party of having lost focus,” bragged Kandorozu amidst murmurs of disapproval from some prominent Swapo members among the mourners.
Incumbent NUDO acting president Asser Mbai, informed the congregation that he has accepted the hot seat with a brave heart with no hesitation and expressed confidence that he would be more than ready to remain in the post should his followers give him the nod.
Other speakers and traditional leaders also touched on the red hot debate with regard to the Ovaherero vacant chieftainship and called for aspirant heir to the crown to remain calm.