The late Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 8, at his Sabata farm in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County. His funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, at CITAM Karen in Nairobi, starting at 11 a.m.
A program released by Chebukati’s family outlines a series of ceremonies leading up to his burial. On Friday, March 7, a special service and tribute session will be held at his Kitale home to honor his legacy before his interment the following day.
Chebukati passed away on February 20, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nairobi. According to family spokesperson Eric Nyongesa, doctors attempted to resuscitate him, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Chebukati had been battling brain cancer, a condition diagnosed in April 2023, just months after he left office as the IEBC chairperson. Following the diagnosis, he was flown to Germany, where he underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor. He spent several months recovering before returning to Kenya in July 2023.
Despite his health struggles, Chebukati remained active in various electoral engagements internationally. However, in April 2024, doctors discovered that the tumor had recurred, prompting him to return to Germany for a second surgery. After another period of recovery, he came back to Kenya in August 2024 and resumed his normal activities.
Unfortunately, during a routine check-up in December 2024, another recurrence of the tumor was detected. This led to his hospitalization until January 2025, when he was discharged. His family continued exploring treatment options, including the possibility of another surgery.
On February 12, Chebukati was re-admitted to the hospital and placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as his condition worsened. He remained under intensive medical care until his passing on February 20.
Chebukati’s tenure at the IEBC was marked by significant electoral processes in Kenya, and his passing has elicited tributes from leaders across the political divide. His dedication to electoral integrity and governance will be remembered as he is laid to rest.
As preparations for his burial continue, his family, friends, and the nation mourn the loss of a key figure in Kenya’s electoral history. His legacy, however, will live on through the contributions he made in shaping Kenya’s democratic landscape.
