By JULIUS PHIRI –
SENIOR Chief Nsefu of the Kunda people of Eastern Province has banned the early succession wrangles of Chief Jumbe of Mambwe District.
Chief Nsefu said on Tuesday that it was too early for the families to start debating about the succession after the death of late Chief Jumbe IV, Robert Zulu.
He said he would announce to the stakeholders, including the family members, when the process of choosing the successor to the throne of the late Chief Jumbe would start.
Being a senior chief, he was going to mediate in the selection of the new Chief Jumbe because he was in-charge of whatever was happening in the Kundaland.
“It’s too early to start talking about the succession of Chief Jumbe. Lets respect the fact that we are still mourning our late chief,” he said.

. Late Chief Jumbe

A succession dispute over who would be the next Chief Jumbe is brewing  with the family from the Mchacha clan of the Kunda challenging intentions by the late Chief Jumbe’s family to find an interim leader to take over the throne until a new one was installed.
A representative from the Mchacha clan, Nebart Mzenga Phiri questioned why an interim leader should be drawn from the late Chief Jumbe’s side when the late traditional leader was also not the actual heir to the throne.
However, when contacted for a comment, a representative from late Chief Jumbe’s side, Ben Zulu described the claims as false.
Mr Zulu said that his family was the rightful heir to the throne.
The late chief died two weeks ago after collapsing at his palace.