The family of the late former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has appealed to the public to accord them the privacy they need as they decided on post-mortem
meanwhile, president William Ruto led the nation in mourning the late IEBC Chairperson who handed him the 2022 presidential election victory, amid wrangles at the Bomas of Kenya.
“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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” said President Ruto.
Giving its statement on the demise of the former IEBC chairperson, The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) hailed the late Wafula Chebukati’s dedication to the rule of law.
While mourning him, IEBC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hussein Marjan singled out Chebukati who was awarded the 2023 Election Management Awards in Lisbon, Portugal as a dedicated leader.
“IEBC had lost a great leader who was full of humour, listened keenly on important issues affecting the delivery of the Commission mandate and a man measured in words, who truly knew the sensitivity of his office,” said Mr Marjan
mourning Chebukati, former President Uhuru Kenyatta said the late Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati was a leader who played a central role Kenya’s electoral landscape.
Kenyatta highlighted his resilience despite various challenges during his tenure at the electoral body.
“Throughout his time in office, he played a pivotal role in shaping our nation’s electoral landscape, often navigating intricate challenges with remarkable resilience. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May they find strength and solace in cherished memories,” added Kenyatta.
Sources indicate that the former IEBC Chair had been battling cancer and was receiving treatment in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the time of his demise.
Chebukati passed away at the age of 64 at 11 p.m. on Thursday at Nairobi Hospital, where he had been admitted in critical condition.
Chebukati served as the IEBC Chairperson for six-year full term and retired on January, 2023 after overseeing the 2022 General Election.
His tenure was marred by controversy, particularly during the disputed 2017 and 2022 elections.
