Gciriku chieftaincy dispute is a traditional matter, not for courts: Sankwasa

By: Staff Reporter

Urban and rural development minister, James Sankwasa said it is a shame that the Gciriku Traditional Authority has been without a leader for seven years because of succession disagreements.

Sankwasa said the matter is in court because the community has abandoned its traditional methods and procedures for electing and inaugurating a chief.

The minister made the remarks on Friday during a meeting with the three factions of the Gciriku Traditional Authority, stating that the chieftaincy succession dispute is a traditional matter and does not belong in the courts.

“We have gone to politics. As a result, we are not learning again from the fact that every traditional matter that goes to court, the court, has ruled in the same direction. The courts are not there to look at the procedure of chieftainship, but to look at technical issues. The traditional methodologies and traditional requirements are for the community themselves,” remarked the minister.

The tribe has been without a chief since 2019, following the death of Hompa Kassian Shiyambi. Sankwasa said he attended Shiyambi’s memorial service and burial, and at the time had hoped that the community would follow its culture and traditions in choosing a successor.

However, Sankwasa said his wish has not been fulfilled, and the matter has instead ended up High Court.

The court ordered that the matter be referred back to the minister to make the final decision, leading to the meeting with the VaGciriku community.

In addition, Sankwasa also wants to understand exactly what the three factions are disputing.

“Instead of fighting to rule your people, you are fighting for benefits,” he said.

Sankwasa said he would speak to each faction separately before making a final decision. It is, however, not certain how long the deliberations will take.