Days after Flames legend Esau Kanyenda’s burial in the United Kingdom, documents have revealed disagreements over the funeral, with tensions reportedly centred on the roles of his two wives; Queen Chibwana Kanyenda, the legal widow, and Clementina Banda, who had been living with him in his final years.
Kanyenda died on 2 December last year after battling cancer. At the time of his death, he was living with Clementina. His earlier marriage to Queen, the mother of his children, had not been legally annulled, and Queen and the children were living separately.
Sources close to the family indicate that Clementina and Kanyenda had been living together in his final years and that she was involved in caring for him during his illness. Following his death, she was initially engaged in funeral preparations, including early burial-related arrangements.
Later, Kanyenda’s children, formally requested to take part in decisions regarding where their father would be buried. The request was granted by the relevant authorities, resulting in changes to the burial plans and site. It is reported that Clementina did not object to the decision.
During the funeral programme held on 4 February, 2026, Clementina was not listed among those who formally participated in the official proceedings. She was not allowed to lay a wreath, while Queen Kanyenda was the first to lay a wreath during the ceremony followed by the children.
Documents now circulating online include a letter dated 29 December 2025 from the Kabunduli Kanyenda clan, which states that the clan relinquished responsibility for the funeral to Kanyenda’s children and widow. The letter outlines earlier involvement in decision-making and provides a summary of funds received from an insurance payout, payments made to funeral service providers, and the remaining balance.
“In accordance with your demands, we relinquish to you (with immediate effect) everything regarding the funeral of late Esau. We shall only attend and witness the burial ceremony,” reads a letter from the Kabunduli Kanyenda clan. “It is only right that we correct some of the numerous inaccuracies in your letter. The outline below should provide a true picture of our collaborative approach in relation to the funeral preparations…”
Another letter dated 31 December 2025, addressed to Wombwell Funeral Services, confirms that Queen Kanyenda, together with her two adult sons, had taken over the funeral arrangements. The correspondence requests a pause in proceedings to allow for the transfer of original documents and discussions on changes to the burial place.
“I, Mrs Queen Kanyenda, the legal wife of late Mr Esau Kanyenda, writing to inform you that from Monday midnight I was handed over the responsibility of handling the funeral arrangements of late Mr EsaKanyendats,” Queen wrote. “It was handed to me Mrs Queen Kanyenda, Nathan Esau Kanyenda, Wayne Esau Kanyenda by the following people: Ms. Clementina Banda-00447584712501, Mr. McDonald Kanyenda-00447301489537, Mr. Peter Makosa-00447547685109.”
Meanwhile, there are mixed reactions online. Some commentators argue that Queen Kanyenda, as the lawful widow, could have acknowledged Clementina Banda’s role in Kanyenda’s final years by allowing her an opportunity to pay her last respects. Others, however, say the situation highlights the importance of formalizing marriages, with some describing it as a lesson, particularly for women, on the legal weight of a marriage certificate.
