Chebukati's family asks for privacy as they mourn his demise

The family of the late Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairman (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati is yet to make a decision on whether they will have a postmortem conducted.

Family spokesperson Eric Nyongesa told the press Friday that the family will have to make a decision about it.

Nyongesa who declined to provide more details on the cause of his death said the family members will have a meeting later in the day to decide.

"For now we have not made a decision on whether to do a postmortem. Let us not speculate. Once the family has had time to talk to doctors we shall issue a proper communication," he said.

He also urged Kenyans to allow the family privacy and avoid social media speculations.

Family members including his father, widow Mary Wanyonyi and his two sons; Jonathan and Emmanuel were present at the Lee funeral home.

Chebukati, 64, passed away Thursday night at a Nairobi hospital where he had been receiving treatment.

Condolence messages have continued to pour in following his demise.

President William Ruto has mourned the death of former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati. According to Ruto, Chebukati’s death is a great loss to the country.

The President described Chebukati as a principled leader who served the nation with integrity.

“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.

The former IEBC boss had been admitted to a hospital in Nairobi where he had been undergoing treatment for nearly a week.

Chebukati served as IEBC chair for a full term of six years and retired in January 2023.