Ovaherero and Ovambenderu communities gathered at Okahitua Village over the weekend to remember the legacy of the late Ombara Otjitambi, Kuaima Riruako.

One of the most significant legacies of Chief Riruako is his decisive leadership on the issue of genocide reparations, among others.

The late Chief Kuaima Riruako died on June 2, 2014, after leading the ovaHerero communities for more than 30 years, succeeding the late Clemence Kapuuo.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi, described the late Chief Riruako as someone who was a bridge builder who understood the importance of unity and peace.

"In 2006, when Chief Riruako brought the motion on genocide to the National Assembly, he was acutely aware of the need to build political consensus. He engaged with various political parties to secure a bipartisan approach, leading to the unanimous passing of the motion."

The death of Chief Riruako deprived the country of a true leader with unparalleled vision and dedication, noted Professor Katjavivi.

A former Member of Parliament, Arnold Tjihuiko, says the late Chief, despite being a seasoned politician and a dedicated traditional leader, was a true family man too.

"The only words I can say Namibia is for all of us; that's what I learned from the late Chief Riruako, and we must respect one another. We must try to extend the hand of friendship to almost everybody, and that's important because sometimes we forget that what happens in other African countries is worse than what we have so far."

Tjihuiko also added that the late Chief has left an indelible mark on the history of Namibia.

The remembrance day of the late Chief Kuaima Riruako was concluded with various traditional activities such as horseback riding and drilling.