Newly-installed Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of Rumphi has maintained he is the rightful heir to the throne and sees no reason to challenge the decision by Bongololo Gondwe who is seeking nullification of his appointment.

The installation of Mtima Gondwe replacing his departed father caused an uproar as angry villagers burnt down Chikulamayembe headquarters at Bolero and also burnt grain houses for the Gonapamuhanya annual festival.

Joseph Bongololo Gondwe promised to seek court intervention on the matter arguing that he is the rightful heir to the throne.

Gondwe accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of interfering with appointment of the replacement to the departed king by secretly installing Mtima Walter Gondwe.

More details to follow…