The Malawi government has courted controversy by silently removing Bongololo Gondwe as Paramount Chief of the Tumbuka and replacing him with Mtima Gondwe. This move has sparked outrage, particularly as Mtima was previously removed from the throne in 2021 through a court ruling. The matter came to light during Mtima Gondwe's burial, where a statement from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development indicated that Mtima had been reinstated in an acting capacity in August this year.
Mtima Gondwe was initially installed as Paramount Chief in 2019 but was later nullified by the High Court in Mzuzu in 2021. The court ruled that his installation was unconstitutional, unlawful, procedurally unfair, and invalid. Former President Lazarus Chakwera then appointed Bongololo Gondwe as Paramount Chief on March 12, 2022. However, Bongololo expressed surprise at being replaced, stating that he had not been informed or served any letter regarding his removal.
Bongololo Gondwe's lawyer, Michael Goba Chipeta, also expressed surprise at the development, insisting that without formal communication from the President, his client remains the rightful king of the Nkhamanga people. Chipeta emphasized that the office of Paramount Chief is appointed by the President, not a minister, and that removal cannot be done by a minister. He questioned whether the ministry had shown any communication from the President regarding the change.
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development stated that Mtima Gondwe was reinstated as Paramount Chief on August 30, 2026. However, this move has raised concerns about the government's adherence to the Chiefs Act and the Constitution. Section 4 of the Chiefs Act states that the President may appoint a Paramount Chief by writing under his hand.
Group Village Head Chikazinga, who was Mtima's spokesperson, led fellow chiefs to the District Commissioner's office in Rumphi to convey royal arrangements. Chikazinga stated that they went to thank the government for their support during Mtima's burial and to inform the DC that the chieftaincy is now in the hands of the royal family until a replacement is appointed.
The District Commissioner, Thomas Chingwenembe, said he was waiting for guidance from the Ministry on the matter. Minister Ben Phiri did not respond to queries by press time. The Chikulamayembe chieftaincy is known for its cultural ceremony, Gonapamhanya, which celebrates the arrival of the first Tumbuka king, Gonapamhanya.
The controversy surrounding the Chikulamayembe chieftaincy has raised concerns about the government's handling of traditional leadership matters. The chieftaincy has a rich history dating back to 1780 when Mlowoka came to Malawi. The name Chikulamayembe derived from his crossing of Lake Malawi from Tanzania. The matter is ongoing, with stakeholders awaiting further developments.
Key points
- The Malawi government has removed Bongololo Gondwe as Paramount Chief of Tumbuka and replaced him with Mtima Gondwe, who was previously removed from the throne in 2021.
- The move has sparked controversy, with concerns about the government's adherence to the Chiefs Act and the Constitution.
- The Chikulamayembe chieftaincy has a rich history dating back to 1780 and is known for its cultural ceremony, Gonapamhanya.
