Following the passing of former IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati on February 20, 2025, his youngest son, Emmanuel Chebukati, has made an emotional appeal to Kenyans, urging them to stop ridiculing his family.
In a heartfelt video that has gone viral, Emmanuel expressed deep disappointment at how some Kenyans were celebrating his father’s death. He emphasized that, regardless of how the 2022 General Election results turned out, his father had only acted within the confines of the law.
“I have never seen Kenyans unite in celebrating the death of a fellow Kenyan as I have seen people rejoice and ridicule us,” Emmanuel lamented. “For the first time, I have seen Kenyans celebrate someone’s death not the death of an ordinary person, but that of a leader who played a significant role in advancing the country’s democracy.”
When asked why he thought some Kenyans were reacting this way, Emmanuel suggested that lingering resentment from the 2022 General Election was fueling the mockery. He reiterated that his father had carried out his duties with integrity and in full adherence to the law.
“He did his work with respect and in adherence to the constitution because our father valued the law and never went against it,” the 25-year-old said. “He never made decisions based on personal feelings but always followed the law and the constitution. Maybe things didn’t go as some Kenyans expected, and because he upheld the law, they are now mocking us online.”
Emmanuel pleaded with Kenyans to allow his family to grieve in peace, urging them to put aside political differences and respect their pain. “Please let us honour and lay Mzee to rest with respect. Please don’t mock us,” he said.
He further revealed that some Kenyans had openly stated they would celebrate his father’s passing by drinking and rejoicing, something he found deeply hurtful. “This truly pains us knowing that there are Kenyans willing to spend money to celebrate our father’s death,” he added.
He noted that his brothers preferred to grieve privately and might not approve of his public plea, but he felt compelled to speak out. Emmanuel defended his father against corruption allegations, asserting that Chebukati had always acted lawfully and honestly.
“We are mourning our father. This is a huge loss, and we are going through a difficult time because he was a good man straightforward and honest,” he said.
Emmanuel concluded by thanking President William Ruto and other leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, for their condolences. “To all the leaders who have condoled with us, we say thank you and may God bless you.”
