A representative of Chief Mpepo of the Bemba-people in Kanchibiya District, has called on Zambians to remain united and peaceful as they mourn Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people.
‎Kennedy Makasa says the nation should remain united as it mourns the late traditional leader describing the demise as a profound loss.
‎Mr Makasa who was speaking in a telephone interview with the media today, says the death of Mpezeni the fourth should serve as a catalyst for national cohesion rather than division.
‎He recalled a significant moment of inter-tribal solidarity when Chief Mpepo and Chief Luchembe visited Paramount Chief Mpezeni during the 2024 N’cwala ceremony, where they received his wisdom and encouragement.
‎”That visit was a clear demonstration that as Zambians, despite belonging to various tribes, we are more united than divided. We have more in common than what separates us,” Mr. Makasa said.
‎He described Paramount Chief Mpezeni as a “uniting factor” whose leadership transcended ethnic boundaries.
He urged citizens to honor his legacy by upholding the spirit of the “One Zambia, One Nation” motto.
‎”We must honor his memory by demonstrating the unity he stood for. This is not a time for division, but a time for coming together as one people to celebrate a life well-lived in service to the nation,” Mr Makasa stated.
‎Meanwhile, residents of the Chalabesa area in Kanchibiya have joined the nation in mourning the late Paramount Chief.
‎Andrea Mukuka, said the news of the Chief’s demise was received with shock and called for intensified prayers for the bereaved family and the Ngoni people.
‎”There is a need for all Zambians to unite in prayer. We must support one another and the bereaved family during this difficult period of national mourning,” Mr. Mukuka said.
‎Another resident Sanfulonsa Kangwa urged the public to mourn with dignity and peace until the burial of the Paramount Chief, which is scheduled for June 9, 2026.
‎Ms Kangwa extended heartfelt condolences from the people of Kanchibiya District to the Ngoni people, stating that the grief of the Eastern Province is shared across the country.
‎”We share in the sorrow of our Ngoni brothers and sisters. May the soul of the paramount Chief rest in eternal peace,” she said.
