Hosea Kutako
| Hosea Kutako | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grave of Chief Hosea Kutako near Friedenskirche, Okahandja | |||||
| Paramount chief of the Herero people | |||||
| Reign | 1920 – 18 July 1970 | ||||
| Predecessor | Samuel Maharero | ||||
| Successor | Clemens Kapuuo | ||||
| |||||
| Leader of Hereroland | |||||
| In office 2 October 1968 – 18 July 1970 | |||||
| Preceded by | Position established | ||||
| Succeeded by | Clemens Kapuuo | ||||
| Personal details | |||||
| Born | 1870 Okahurimehi | ||||
| Died | 18 July 1970 (aged 100) Aminuis, South West Africa | ||||
| Resting place | near Friedenskirche, Okahandja | ||||
| Party | |||||
| Military service | |||||
| Allegiance | Herero | ||||
| Battles/wars | Herero Wars (POW) | ||||
Hosea Katjikururume Komombumbi Kutako (1870 – 18 July 1970) was a Namibian nationalist leader and traditional ruler who was a founding member of the South West African National Union, Namibia's first nationalist party. He was also paramount chief of the Herero people and chairman of the Herero Chiefs' Council, which he founded in 1945.
Kutako was one of the earliest nationalist leaders in Namibia and has been regarded as the "father of modern Namibian nationalism." He spearheaded the country's modern independence movement by petitioning the United Nations directly and through Rev. Michael Scott. Together with Nikanor Hoveka, he was among the first to petition the UN. Kutako also mentored many future leaders, including Clemens Kapuuo, Fanuel Kozonguizi, and Sam Nujoma, among others. The seat of his chieftaincy was situated at the settlement of Toasis in the Aminuis area.