Now Nkoyas wrangle over burial of late chief

THE funeral of Chief Kahare, Edward Kahare, who died in Mongu early this week, has been shrouded in confusion with the Nkoya Royalists refusing to hold the funeral in the village.

Confusion is reigning among the Nkoyas following the death of Mr Edward Kahare, with the faction opposed to his installation as chief claiming the funeral cannot be taken to the royal village because he was not part of the royal family. However, some Nkoya royalists have charged that the late chief was part of the traditional lineage who deserved respect from everyone. And royalists have appealed to police to be vigilant to avoid recurrence of violence should the two warring factions meet. Standford Mayowe, who also claims to be Chief Kahare said it was up to him to decide where the deceased should be buried at the royal village or not. Mr Mayowe (Chief Kahare) said in a telephone interview that he was hopeful that there would be no other wrangles in the area, that he was praying for peace to prevail. Mr Mayowe said he had powers and authority to decide what should be done, that a funeral could not be rejected, no matter the differences. “It is up to me to decide whether Mr Edward Kahare will be buried here or not. In fact calling him a chief is wrong because l was chosen to be a chief by the community here. We are hoping that there will no other confusion that will rock in this chiefdom again,” he said. And Kalabo district commissioner Frida Luhila said that the funeral was being held in Mabumbu royal village in Mongu awaiting transportation to Nkeyema. She said the family was still in talks and that once they con-clude, the nation would be informed. “Right now we are gathered here in Mongu’s Mabumbu area where the funeral is taking place and we are still waiting for other family members to see the way forward before the body is taken to the village in Kaoma,” she said.

It is up to me to decide whether Mr Edward Kahare will be buried here or not. In fact calling him a chief is wrong because l was chosen to be a chief by the community here. We are hoping that there will no other confusion that will rock in this chiefdom again— Mr Mayowe