Chipata, Zambia – Thousands of mourners, led by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, gathered at Ephendukeni Palace in Chipata on Tuesday to bid farewell to Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people, who died in Lusaka on 30 May 2026 at the age of 70.
Mpezeni, whose full royal title was Ingwenyama Inkosi Yamakosi, ascended to the throne on 19 June 1982 and reigned for 44 years. His death drew condolences from State House, chiefdoms, churches and mosques across Zambia, as well as from individuals and institutions beyond the country’s borders.
The funeral brought together Ngoni chiefs from Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique and other African countries where the Ngoni people have a presence, reflecting the reach of his royal standing across the continent. 
President Hichilema arrived at Ephendukeni Palace under full state protocol and was led to a room where he met with Ngoni chiefs before signing the book of condolence. He then consoled Mpezeni’s widow, Esther Mbewe, and also paid his respects to Gawa Undi, the Paramount Chief of the Chewa people.
The ceremony blended tradition, state protocol and religion. As Mpezeni’s casket was carried out from where it lay in state, Impis stomped the ground while women sang funereal songs in the Ngoni tradition. Singing groups from the Catholic Church also performed during the service.
Chipata Catholic Diocese Bishop George Lungu, in his homily, described Mpezeni as “a gift to the people of Zambia.”
President Hichilema, flanked by Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa and several permanent secretaries, delivered the keynote address, saying Mpezeni had served the Ngoni people and the wider nation with distinction and wisdom for more than 40 years.
“He served with six presidents before. I’m the seventh President. Ngwenyama worked with and served this country, not just the Ngoni people or Eastern Province. That means a lot,” President Hichilema said.
“So if you are talking about experience, he had it. Presidents are not always easy to work with. But he found a way of doing it because of the common interest, service to the country. That’s important for us who are alive to emulate,” he added.
The President also said: “Ngwenyama carried the authority of a King but possessed the heart of a servant. He served with humility. Nkhosi Yamakhosi was a true patriot who placed country, people and culture above himself. More importantly, he espoused and championed unity in our country. We are a country of about 73 ethnic groups but Ngwenyama recognised all of us. He understood that each one of those people own this country equally.”
President Hichilema also used the occasion to call for closure on the matter of the burial of former Zambian President Dr Edgar C. Lungu, who remains unburied, saying leaders who dedicate their lives to serving the nation deserve to be honoured with dignity befitting their positions, even in death.
Mpezeni IV was buried within the grounds of Ephendukeni Palace in accordance with a blend of military and Ngoni funeral rites. Per the Ngoni Royal Establishment, there is no vacancy on the throne.
