ARLANA SHIKONGOPRESIDENT Hage Geingob has described late Ondonga King Immanuel Kauluma Elifas as a man of dignity, who unified people.
Elifas passed away this morning (26 March).
The Namibian reported online on Sunday that Elifas had been admitted at the Onandjokwe State Hospital in the Oshikoto region last week for regular check-ups, as confirmed by the Ondonga Traditional Authority’s spokesperson, Naeman Amalwa.
Although Elifas’ family said his recent visit to hospital was for a routine check-up, The Namibian reported in early February that he was critically ill, and under close observation by doctors.
In a statement issued this morning following the King’s death, Geingob said he was saddened by the loss.
“A big tree has fallen. But as he said, ‘don’t’ cry for me, cry for yourselves’,” the president went on to quote Elifas.
Geingob described Elifas as a fatherly figure, a friend, a sage man of dignity, highlighting his distinct care for the people within his traditional authority.
“Our nation has lost a key figure, a man of gravity, and a great unifier who dedicated his entire life to serving others,” he continued.
