In a closely watched traditional leadership contest, Maada Joe Kebbie from the Kebbie ruling house has been declared the Paramount Chief-elect of Sahn Malen Chiefdom in Pujehun District, Sierra Leone.
The election, held on June 14, 2026, followed the passing of the late Paramount Chief Hon. P.C. B.V.S. Kebbie in 2023. It drew significant national attention, including from high-profile figures such as Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who cast his ballot and urged unity.
Election Results and Process
Polling station results from R.C. Primary School in the chiefdom showed strong support for Kebbie in the initial round. A runoff was required as no candidate achieved the necessary threshold (typically 55% under Sierra Leone’s two-round system for Paramount Chiefs).
In the runoff, Maada Joe Kebbie defeated Hon. Siaka Musa Sama Kaimagbie (from the Kai-Magbie/Magbe ruling house). Provisional tallies at one station reflected Kebbie receiving 554 valid votes to his opponent’s 285, contributing to an overall total of 839 valid votes, 16 invalid, and 855 total votes cast.
The process involved 16 aspirants from seven ruling houses—including Kortu, O’Neil, Kebbie, Bankundo, Magbe, Sengova, and Sengeh—vying for the position before chiefdom councillors.
Significance and Reactions
The Kebbie ruling house has historically held the Paramount Chieftaincy for over a century, making this outcome a continuation of that lineage. Many noted the absence of a Sengeh victory despite prominent support for candidates like Paul Amadu Sengeh Jr.
Observers and participants praised the peaceful conduct of the polls, highlighting maturity and unity among the people of Malen. Chief Minister Sengeh emphasized post-election reconciliation: families are interconnected through marriage and shared interests, and development should remain the focus regardless of the winner.
Kudos to Maada Joe Kebbie, the Chief-elect, and all contenders for their participation. The hope now is for all parties to set aside differences and collaborate for the progress of Sahn Malen Chiefdom—addressing local development, land matters, agriculture, and community needs in one of Sierra Leone’s key southern chiefdoms.
These results remain provisional until officially announced and gazetted by authorities. Paramount Chiefs play vital roles in local governance, customary law, land administration, and dispute resolution in Sierra Leone.
Congratulations to the new leadership of Sahn Malen! May this transition usher in peace, unity, and prosperity for the chiefdom.
