Tinotenda Hove – A contentious storm is brewing in Chikomba District, Zimbabwe, as the government has ignited a firestorm of controversy with the installation of Venon Muringani as Chief Maromo. The move has sparked widespread outrage among locals and traditionalists, who claim that the appointment is a blatant example of political interference and disregard for customary procedures.

The appointment, formalized during a high-profile state-sponsored ceremony, has been met with fierce resistance from the community. Critics argue that Muringani’s ascension to the chieftainship is a result of his alleged loyalty to the ruling ZANU-PF party, rather than through legitimate traditional succession processes.

“This is not our Chief. He was not chosen by the people or according to our customs,” said a visibly distraught elder from the Maromo clan, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisals. “This is politics, not tradition.”

Local sources reveal that the Maromo chieftainship has long adhered to a well-established rotational system among family lineages. However, the recent appointment allegedly bypassed consensus and ignored the rightful heir.

“The government just parachuted someone in. No consultation. No process. This is an insult to our ancestors,” another villager lamented.

Despite these concerns, Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe defended the appointment, stating, “Traditional leaders must align with national development goals. We need forward-thinking chiefs who support the vision of the Second Republic.”

However, critics argue that this stance is merely a veiled attempt to enforce political loyalty. They claim that the government is undermining the independence of traditional institutions by transforming chiefs into political agents.

“What we’re seeing is a dangerous politicisation of cultural institutions,” warned a local civil society leader. “It undermines the very essence of traditional leadership, which is meant to be rooted in community consensus, not political loyalty.”

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Mashonaland East, Itayi Ndudzo, echoed the government’s narrative, urging traditional leaders to “support the devolution agenda and be agents of peace and development.”

The community, however, remains deeply divided. Several families from the Maromo lineage are reportedly planning to challenge the installation through the courts, citing violations of customary law.

The appointment marks the second time a Chief Maromo has been installed since the revival of the title in 2014. Nonetheless, villagers contend that this time, it feels less like a homecoming and more like a brazen political takeover.

“Chiefs are meant to unite us,” said one villager. “But this one has divided us before he’s even started.”