MUKUNI SNUBS GOVT, TONGA CHIEFS

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 09:54:49 +0000

By Simon Muntemba

SENIOR Chief Mukuni of the Toka-Leya people in a move seemingly meant to divide the nation snubbed not only Government but all chiefs deemed pro-government.

All Tonga chiefs that have remained neutral in the political impasse between losing UPND presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema and President Edgar Lungu were not invited to the Bene Mukuni traditional ceremony.

One of the Chiefs not invited to the ceremony which took place over the weekend is Senior Chief Chikanta, who has maintained his neutral stance over the impasse.

Senior Chief Chikanta, a pro-unity traditional leader, told the Daily Nation in an interview that he was among the chiefs that were not invited to the Bene Mukuni traditional ceremony for no clear reason.

“I was not invited to the ceremony by Senior Chief Mukuni and I don’t know why.  And I don’t even know what transpired there.

“But we are busy organising our ceremony here in Chikankata which will start on 6th October  next month and we have invited the Vice President, Inonge Wina to be the guest of honour,” Senior Chief Chikanta said.

Senior Chief Mukuni’s political stance of inviting the UPND leader, goes against the spirit of national unity being promoted by not only government  but traditional leaders.

It is not clear why the chief snubbed Government. Efforts to get his comment proved futile as the traditional leader’s phone calls and messages went unanswered.