In the past the incumbent Chief has been promoted to Mwata, and Kanyembo was the site of Mwata Kazembe's capital when it was visited by David Livingstone in 1867.
Historically, the person holding the position of Chief was elevated to the rank of Mwata, and Kanyembo functioned as the seat of power for Mwata Kazembe when it was encountered by David Livingstone in 1867.