The installation of Joseph Bongololo Gondwe as Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe the 13th of the Tumbuka people in Rumphi which was scheduled for Saturday failed to take place amid disagreement among two camps.

Speaking in an interview with the press a representative of Bongololo Gondwe, group village head Chikalamba Gondwe said they were told by Rumphi district commissioner (DC) Emmanuel Bulukutu that the Ministry of Local Government was yet to set a date for the ceremony.

“We were asked about the date and we had proposed April 2, but we wanted the government side to be available. But the DC came to us and said the Ministry of Local Government were yet to come up with a date on the same.

“We suspect that the issue could be due to [the absence of] President Lazarus Chakwera who was outside the country. But we are ready and looking forward to their direction,” said Chikalamba Gondwe.

Mtima Gondwe’s camp is against the approval of Joseph Bongololo Gondwe as Paramount Chikulamayembe by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.

The Mtima Gondwe’s camp threatened to hold a parallel installation ceremony if government proceed with its plan.

Meanwhile, it is not known as to when Bongololo Gondwe will be installed at Tumbuka Chief in Rumphi.