His chieftaincy is now hanging by the thread since traditional rituals must be undertaken this year to choose a substantive traditional ruler.

Other members of his extended family are actively pushing for his replacement for various reasons.

There are those who are alleging that the Negomos "stole" the chieftainship by misrepresenting facts to the then colonial authorities.

One member, Tafaneyi David Gweshe last year launched a court bid to have Negomo's leadership squashed, but his challenge was not successful.

In his court papers, Gweshe wanted the Gweshe-Shambare family to be declared the rightful heirs to the chieftainship, claiming the Negomos misrepresented to the colonial authorities that the rightful heir to the chieftainship, a Shambare-Gweshe, could not be located.

Others are arguing that the chieftainship must rotate betw-een other royal houses and not be confined to acting Chief Negomo's immediate family.

Chief Negomo is said to have boycotted meetings called to discuss the matter amid indications that he wants to hold onto the position.

But despite his resistance, efforts to depose him have since mounted with three more families joining forces to compel him to the negotiating table so that he could relinquish power.

The Mapondera, Zhenjeni and Muroro families are challenging Chief Negomo's hold to power, amid moves to organise a meeting to consult their ancestors on the installation of a substantive chief.

When reached for comment this week, Chief Negomo said: "I don't know why they are raising that issue now. But every family has its head and for as long as meetings are not called by that person, I will not attend."

But other family members confirmed moves to install a new chief, but added that they were not in a position to divulge the details. -- Political Editor.