By Doricah Mkwapatira and Charlie Ligomeka

Machinga, April 28, Mana: Thousands of people in Machinga on Sunday paid tribute to Senior Chief Nsanama who died on Saturday and laid to rest on Sunday at his Masungwi headquarters in the district.

Senior Chief Nsanama, born Duwa Lapukeni on January 1, 1954 died at the age of 71 at his headquarters after an asthma attack.

Speaking at the funeral ceremony, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo called on the royal family to stay united and mourn Senior Chief Nsanama in peace.

She urged the family to follow right procedures when appointing a successor, observing that doing so will prevent chieftaincy disputes that ignite divisions among family members and subjects.

“In this moment of grief, we must come together just as our departed chief used to advice during his lifetime,

“Succession needs patience and protocol. This prevents wrangles that come due to the struggle of power in the clan, I urge family members to follow the right procedure,” she said.

Machinga District Council Chairperson, Councilor Simplex Duwa said the council will miss Senior Chief Nsanama’s contribution to development.

“He was a true leader who valued unity and transparency, he was a wise man whose insights will forever be cherished, the council will never forget him,” he said.

Paramount Chief Kawinga also urged relatives to mourn Senior Chief Nsanama with respect,

“I plead with the family to hold hands and stay united during this time. There should be no disputes over chieftaincy.

“He was a God fearing man who had a Mosque at his place which is a testimony that he feared God and may the community remember him for being peace loving,” he said.

The late Senior Chief Nsanama was installed sub chief in 2006 and later traditional authority in 2017.

He was elevated to Senior Chief in 2020, and is survived with a wife, eight children and 24 grandchildren.