Some Tumbuka Chiefs who are behind Mtima Gondwe have once against spoken against the installation of Joseph Bongololo Gondwe as the Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe the 13th.

Joseph Bongololo Gondwe is scheduled to be installed at Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe on April 30, 2022 in Bolero, Rumphi and President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera who approved his appointment is scheduled to attend the ceremony.

But the chiefs led by Royal Family spokesperson Group Village Headman Hunga have questioned President Chakwera’s silence on the matter.

“In utter-disbelief and state of shock to what has transpired in the Chikulamayembe succession wrangle, specifically government’s handling of the issue, we would like categorically communicate our strong stand and stance against government’s plan to proceed with the installation of GVH Bongololo as Paramount Chief Themba Lama Themba Chikulamayembe of the Tumbuka Tribe and Cultural.

“We are greatly disturbed and disappointed that despite all the overwhelming evidence of tension, disunity and political interference surrounding the Chikulamayembe Chieftaincy succession wrangle, a government voted into power on a promise to uphold the rule of law, unity, fairness and justice would proceed to conduct an installation amidst out right political interference evidence, division, disunity, tension among the Tumbuka people. We find this absolutely unfortunate by the government particularly Head of State Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and Ministry of Local Government,” reads in part the statement.

The Chiefs are also questioning the basis behind the approval of Joseph Bongololo Gondwe as the new Tumbuka leader.

“A commission of inquiry was instituted to mediate/bring the two parties in the wrangle into peace and as of today no report has been issued by the commission of inquiry to the Head of State and Ministry of Local Government, yet the Head of State went ahead to approve GVH Bongololo as the rightful heir to the throne rendering a strong question in public domain on what basis was used in the approval,” added the statement.