The family of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati has asked for privacy as they mourn his untimely demise. Chebukati, 64, passed away on Thursday night while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital.
A family spokesperson, Eric Nyongesa, addressed the press on Friday, stating that the family has yet to decide whether a postmortem will be conducted. “For now, we have not made a decision on whether to do a postmortem. Let us not speculate. Once the family has had time to talk to doctors, we shall issue a proper communication,” he said. Nyongesa also urged Kenyans to avoid spreading unverified information on social media and to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Chebukati’s father, his widow Mary Wanyonyi, and his two sons, Jonathan and Emmanuel, were present at the Lee Funeral Home, where arrangements for his send-off are underway.
President William Ruto led the nation in mourning Chebukati, describing him as a principled and diligent leader who served with integrity.
“I have received the news of the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Wafula Chebukati with profound sorrow. Chebukati was a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity. His death is a great loss to our country,” Ruto stated.
Chebukati had been undergoing treatment for nearly a week before he passed away. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Chebukati was appointed as IEBC Chairman in 2017, serving a full six-year term before retiring in January 2023. His tenure was marked by significant political events, including the 2017 and 2022 general elections. He was praised for his firm stance on electoral transparency, particularly during the 2022 presidential elections, which saw William Ruto elected as Kenya’s fifth president.
Despite facing criticism and political pressure, Chebukati remained steadfast in upholding electoral integrity. His leadership at the IEBC earned him both admiration and controversy, with many regarding him as a defender of democracy.
Condolences have continued to pour in from political leaders, civil society groups, and the public, recognizing his contributions to Kenya’s electoral process.
As the nation mourns, the family is expected to issue further details regarding funeral arrangements in the coming days.
