CHIEF MUKUNI

THE media report that Senior Chief Mukuni of the Toka-Leya people of Southern Province has bought himself a Lincoln Royale Town Car Limousine from the US at a cost of US$200,000 (K1.2 million) made an interesting reading.
I would like to first congratulate Senior Chief Mukuni who has further ordered a boat also worth US$200,000 and is planning to acquire another Limousine and a private jet, on his achievements as an entrepreneur. It is quite refreshing to see a Zambian chief who is not only there to lead his people but is also creating employment for his subjects. I think Zambia can do better with chiefs like him.
I mean, a lot of us noticed during the previous regime how some chiefs sold out for 30 pieces of silver.
If we can have more wealthy chiefs like him, it would be hard for selfish politicians to corrupt such traditional leaders and turn them into party cadres.
However, I thought I could voice out on one or two things about the lavish lifestyle Chief Mukuni seems to be leading.
Now, I understand it is not my place to dictate how Chief Mukuni should spend his money. Chief Mukuni has every right to spend his hard- earned money the way he deems fit. It is his money.
However, I thought for a man in his position he could slow his roll and perhaps share his fortune with some of his not so fortunate subjects.

I may never have been to his chiefdom, but I don’t think there is none among his subjects who is languishing in abject poverty.
With all due respect to His Royal Highness, is it morally right for him to acquire another Limousine, a boat and a personal jet when it is obvious some of his subjects are barely surviving?

As long as his subjects can have three decent meals per day, have access to clean water, decent houses, access to good health and education, then let Chief Mukuni spend his money whichever way he likes.
But if this is not the case, then it is unfortunate we are seeing this from someone who once said, ‘‘without his people’s cooperation, a chief is nothing.’’
Kampa Senkwe