President Lazarus Chakwera has approved the installation of Joseph Bongololo Gondwe as the New Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of Rumphi, effective 7th March 2022.

He replaces Mtima Gondwe who has been acting in that capacity following his dethronement by the high court for irregular ascendency to the throne after a legal challenge by Bongololo Gondwe.

In a communication to 12 representatives of the Nkhamanga Kingdom Royal Family, Rumphi District Commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu says preparations for the installation ceremony can now start.

Bulukutu, however, says, the actual date will be announced later but has asked the new chief to maintain peace, law, and order in his area.

The area has had no Paramount Chief since November 2018.