Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Owen Chomanika, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and tolerance in the process of selecting successors to traditional chiefs in Malawi. He made these remarks during the burial ceremony of Traditional Authority (TA) Kachenga in Balaka District at Bwaila Headquarters. TA Kachenga had passed away at Zomba Central Hospital due to kidney and liver failure.
Chomanika expressed concern about the ongoing disputes involving more than 30 chieftaincy matters currently in the courts, emphasizing that this is a troubling trend.
He said: “Chiefs are there for three things; they are responsible for development of their areas, unity and upholding culture of a particular area. Where there is no chief, people of that area are denied these things. Let us together work hand in hand in choosing successor.”
Chomanika also expressed concern about the frequent passing of chiefs in the country, highlighting that the government has lost three chiefs in the month of October alone.
Paramount Chief Kawinga praised the late TA Kachenga for playing a constructive role in resolving various chieftaincy disputes that had affected the district. He echoed the Deputy Minister’s call for family members to unite and select their new leader in a peaceful and harmonious manner.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Group Village Headman Chulu expressed their dismay at the sudden loss of their leader.
