Minister Nankhumwa accused of ‘ambushing’ Nkhatabay family on TA Malanda installation
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kondwani Nankhumwa has been accused of ‘ambushing’ family members on the installation of Simeon Nkhoma as Traditional Authority Malanda in Nkhatabay.
Nankhumwa late last month unexpectedly stormed an Area Development Committee meeting in Chintheche where he installed Nkhoma as T/A in what the family says were bizarre circumstances.
The Malanda clan claims the minister deliberately used the unusual forum of installing chiefs to flout procedures that demand consultation with the royal family before installation.
Secretary for the clan, Richard Msokemanja Longwe, said yesterday that the ceremony was deliberately done in absence of other family members who submitted Reverend Matiya Nkhoma’s name as heir to the chieftaincy position.
“We write to express surprise on the announcements and secret installation of new T/A Malanda which took place on October 28, 2016 [which is] contrary to our choice as a clan.
“The event also took place without the knowledge of the clan. May we be told the logic behind this? Was the news a real event or drama?” Longwe said.
His query is contained in a letter addressed to public broadcaster, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) dated November 10, 2016 which we have seen.
But Nankhuwa dismissed the ambush talk, saying chieftaincy is about blood and that he had asked royal family to choose the rightful heir.
The minister said currently, it is the Head of State who approves the name of the rightful heir that the royal family submits to government within the shortest period of time to avoid chieftaincy wrangles.
District Commissioner, Alex Mdoka, said, in an interview, that his office received two nominations for the throne.
Mdoka said inquiries were conducted between the two families through T/A Mwankhunikira of Rumphi, Malengachanzi of Nkhotakota and Mwirang’ombe from Karonga who were sent by the Ministry of Local Government.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
The new Chief was chosen after a very thorough consultation process in which Rev Matiya Nkhoma and his supporters fully participated. As per our custom, the nephew succeds an uncle, He is the Nephew and Matiya Mkhoma was no where in the line of succession.
The consultation process was presided over by Traditional leaders from outside the area and tribal group.