The family of the former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson Wafula Chebukati has called for privacy and time following the passing of their kin amid speculation of the cause of his death.
Family spokesperson Eric Wafula Nyongesa has said they are appalled by rife speculations peddled on social media, adding that whether they will proceed with a postmortem to ascertain the cause of Chebukati’s death will be decided on Saturday when the family meets to plan the funeral arrangements.
Nyongesa was speaking from the Lee Funeral home where Chebukati was transferred after he passed away yesterday at 11pm
President William Ruto has led the country in paying tribute to the former poll’s body boss describing him as a principled leader who served the nation with integrity.
Ruto has described Chebukati’s death as a great loss to the country having served the IEBC for a full term of six years and retired in January 2023.
National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula has described Chebukati as an advocate of great repute, who embodied the dignity and integrity of the legal profession.
According to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Chebukati was a man of integrity and conviction, who dedicated his life to upholding democracy, serving the nation with diligence and an -unwavering sense of duty.
Public Service CS Justin Muturi said Chebukati’s service to the nation will be remembered, and his contribution to strengthening our electoral system will not be forgotten.
On his part, Environment CS Adan Duale said Chebukati’s journey was marked by courage, firmness, fidelity to the law, steadfastness and a commitment to the democratic process.
These are the sentiments of Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
“The panel responsible for the search for the next IEBC chairperson should look for the values that Chebukati had. We want someone who cannot be threatened by the government and opposition because the chairperson is the referee and must stand for the Constitution,” Murkomen said.
“For us in the interior sector, the greatest threat to the security is when people do things that will divide Kenyans.”
Chebukati served as the IEBC chairperson for a full term of six years, from 2017 until his retirement in January 2023.
His tenure saw significant milestones in Kenya’s electoral processes, including overseeing the 2022 general elections.
Chebukati is survived by his wife Mary Chebukati, and had children, though he kept his family life private.