NDIYONA – Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa on Tuesday announced the official recognition of Bartholomeus Aruvita Kayoka as the new Hompa of the Gciriku Traditional Authority, bringing an end to a seven-year leadership dispute.
The succession battle began after the death of Kassian Shiyambi in 2019, resulting in both Kayoka and his nephew, Muraghuli Felix Mashika, claiming the throne.
The minister’s decision follows a January 2026 High Court ruling by Judge Esi Schimming Chase, which set aside Mashika’s 2023 appointment and ordered that the matter be reconsidered.

This opened the way for fresh consultations.
Mashika has argued that the late Shiyambi nominated him as successor before his death and said the chief’s nomination should be final under Gciriku customary law.

Kayoka however maintained that succession should follow seniority within the royal family, as required by tradition.

Speaking at the Gciriku Tribal Office at Ndiyona, Sankwasa said he made the decision after consulting both sides and considering customary law. He said the late chief’s nomination alone is not decisive in the VaGciriku tradition, and that the authority to choose a leader lies with the royal family, as set out in the Traditional Authority Act.

He added that the alleged nomination of Mashika was disputed and not supported by the customary evidence presented, hence his decision to officially approve Kayoka as the new Hompa.
Sankwasa also revealed that he asked both factions whether they would accept the outcome.
Kayoka agreed to respect the decision, although he maintained that Mashika’s claim was not valid under tradition.
The Mashika faction, however, rejected the outcome, saying they would continue to recognise Mashika as their chief and would not change their position. 

-Nampa