Iroojlaplap Michael Kabua’s arrival to Majuro was about 36 hours delayed from the original plan.
A special flight returning his remains from Taiwan to Majuro arrived before sunrise Saturday morning, triggering an eventful several days of funeral services. He was transported by police-escorted motorcade in a specially designed enclosure on a truck with a thatched roof covering.
He was delivered directly to Uliga Church shortly after sunrise. The traditional ilomej (funeral) service proceeded with family, friends and government leaders and employees paying respects to the late traditional leader from Ralik Chain.
At mid-day, his casket was transported back to the airport for the chartered aircraft to fly him and family members to Kwajalein.
Kwajalein Atoll — Irooj Mike’s power base — put on an overwhelming show of respect for their late leader. Virtually everyone on Ebeye was out and lining the streets to greet the funeral procession from the dock.
The funeral took place Saturday and Sunday and Monday he was buried on Ebeye.