VP calls for smooth transition of Mkhumba’s chieftaincy
Vice-President Saulos Chilima has asked the family of the late paramount chief Mkhumba to remain calm and ensure there is peaceful transition for the chieftaincy.
Chilima said this during the burial of the Lhomwe paramount chief who died on Tuesday after battling prostate cancer for about three years.
While describing the late Mkhumba as hard-working and intelligent, Chilima said Mkhumba’s death was a big loss to both government and the Lhomwe people.
“I know paramount chief as a person who united the Lhomwe people. He was among the people who founded Muhlako Wa Alhomwe and whenever there were differences, he was the person to consult. Our request is that there should be a smooth transition to the next chief,” said Chilima at Mkhumba’s Mpasa headquarters in Phalombe.
Minister of Local Government Tarsizio Gowelo advised family members and all chiefs in Phalombe to remain united and support the next chief.
He said Mkhumba offered many lessons that those remaining can learn from, adding that the paramount chief’s death should mark a new chapter, “characterised by unity and teamwork which is also a trademark for the Lhomwe people”.
Before the burial, there were several traditional activities that included a mock case.
Paramount chief Mkhumba was accorded a State funeral with military and police honours, including a three-gun salute as his body was being interred.
In attendance were senior government officials such as chief intelligence officer Nicholas Dausi and Often Thyolani, who represented acting chief secretary to Office of the President and Cabinet Willie Samute.
Chief Nkhumba was installed traditional authority Mkhumba in 1988, but was promoted to paramount chief status in 2008 and was a patron for Mulhako Wa Alhomwe until his death.
“…traditional activities that included a mock case.” Wow! Is this a first or what? Mock cases are typical in law schools in North America, abale. That exhibition (of the mock case) was typical of the late chief’s approach to life: honesty, openness (or in modern parlance, Government 2.0), non-pretentiousness, and humility. Detractors will say by championing Mulhakho wa Alhomwe, he was showing chavanism. Far from the truth.
What major tribe in Malawi does not have a cultural grouping? The aLhomwe group was just overdue, considering the tribe is a major demographic in this country!
Again, APM and VP Chilima should be thanked for according the late chief the respect he deserved; the same respect he accorded the citizens of his domain.
Here’s also hoping the transition to a new chief will be peaceful, as is typical of that tribe.
Saulos Chilima is in charge of funerals.