Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has passed his condolences to the family of the late Wafula Chebukati, former chair of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Raila passed his condolences and sympathy “for the loss of a son, father, husband and a bread winner. “
“Times like these are never easy and no amount of words and assurances of solidarity can ever fill the void left, but that is all we can offer. My thoughts are with the entire family, the widow mama Mary, sons Jonathan and Emmanuel at this difficult time,” he said in a statement.
Chebukati passed away on February 20 at Nairobi Hospital at the age of 63.
Chebukati served as the chairman of the electoral commission for a full six-year term, retiring in January 2023 after overseeing the 2022 General Election.
High-stakes electoral processes, reforms, and controversy, particularly during the disputed 2017 and 2022 elections marked his tenure.
President William Ruto has also mourned the death of Chebukati, saying his passing is a great loss to the country.
“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. Rest In Peace,” Ruto said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki remembered Chebukati as a patriot and consummate lawyer, who boldly helped calm the country in the heat of the 2022 General Election.
Kindiki underscored that Chebukati’s courage and professionalism were displayed in his role as the IEBC boss even when he declared Ruto as president.
“Wafula Chebukati will be remembered for his courageous,
stoic, and emotionless posture while he steered Kenya’s general elections as
the Chairman of the IEBC,” said Kindiki.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, on his part, lauded the deceased for his resilience in shaping the country’s electoral landscape in his 6-year tenure as the IEBC chair from 2017 to 2023.
