Morobe witnesses biggest haus krai

 By CLEMENT KAUPA

MOROBE witnessed its largest haus krai in the past week with more than a thousand mourners coming from as far as Omkolai in Chimbu and Perth in Western Australia.

The haus krai of Stella Naru, late wife of Morobe Governor Kelly Naru, was a high profile event.

It was attended by Justice Minister and Attorney-General Kerenga Kua, Chimbu Governor Noah Kool, Morobe Deputy Governor Morokoi Gaiwata, Lae city lord mayor James Khay and provincial administrator Geoving Belong.   

Starting Monday, Governor Naru farewelled the mourners who attended the haus krai at his Irom village outside Lae city with more than K200,000 in cash and foodstuff. 

In a fitting and moving gesture, Naru also gave his wife’s grandfather from Omkolai a Toyota land cruiser that belonged to his late wife.

“If she was alive, she would have given it to you herself,” Naru told the elderly man who walked up on crutches to receive the vehicle key on Tuesday.

Other relatives of his late wife from Omkolai, Kerowagi and Chuave received the largest slice of K75,000 in cash, six cows and 12 pigs.

“She was your daughter but she was also the mother of my children and my wife. We have all lost a most treasured person,” Naru said in a moving eulogy when presenting them with the gifts.