One Mzimba! Inkosi M’mbelwa crushes district split bid at Umthetho bash

The Ngoni king has told rebel villagers to forget splitting Mzimba into two – insisting it’s a rubbish idea that won’t fix a thing. Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa dropped the bombshell at the district’s massive Umthetho cultural bash, hitting back hard at a growing campaign – led by Samuel Lwara – demanding the district be carved up to boost development. But the chief wasn’t having any of it, telling the huge crowd: “We are one people.

I know we have problems, but splitting the district is not a solution.” He added: “There are districts that were split but have not developed. If we have problems, the best is to sit down and discuss; we can’t take the splitting route.” Instead of a split, the chief unveiled big plans to turn Hora – the Umthetho hotspot – into a swanky tourism hub, complete with a hotel, sports facilities and conference centre. Backing him up, Mzimba Heritage Association boss Khumbo Soko said: “There is no reason to divide Mzimba.

There is nothing wrong that needs fixing.” The bash also turned political, with Second VP Enock Chihana – standing in for President Peter Mutharika – taking a cheeky swipe at the old days. “Previously, we used to sit in some tents somewhere far away because we were in opposition, but Mutharika wants us to unite; see, we are sharing the stage,” Chihana beamed. He threw his weight behind the Hora tourism plan and made a big pitch to investors – revealing government has already stumped up K14 BILLION for Mombera University and wants a further K300 BILLION from private cash to finish the job.

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Awkwardly, First VP Jane Ansah turned up too – but was seen and not heard, with Mutharika choosing Chihana to do the talking instead. The party came just a day after police chief Inspector-General Luhanga issued a stark warning to locals not to take the law into their own hands – revealing a shocking 50 murders have been recorded in Mzimba since January. This year’s Umthetho theme? “Mzimba: United for land preservation and sustainable development.” Bit ironic, given some clearly want out.

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