In 1920, Chinula was the founding secretary of the Mombera Native Association, named after the former Mombera district (now largely within the Mzimba district), and in 1924 became a member of the Northern Province Native Association. When the Nyasaland African Congress was formed in 1944, he became chairman of the Mzimba district branch and a member of the national council. He was also a member of the advisory Northern Province Council.O. J M. Kalinga (2012) Historical Dictionary of Malawi (4th edition), pp.97-8, Lanham, Scarecrow Press However, when the Nyasaland government introduced Indirect rule and M'mbewela was recognised as paramount chief of the Mombera (or M'mbewela) Ngoni, Chinula became his principal adviser and a member of the M'mbewela African Administrative Council. He was willing to work within the existing colonial framework rather than challenge it. His last political appearance was in 1958 when he welcomed Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda on his return to Nyasaland.T J Thompson (1995) Christianity in Northern Malawi, pp. 230-1. Leiden E J BrillJ MacCracken (1977) Politics and Christianity in Malawi, pp. 277-8, Cambridge University Press
