Please stop mocking us, forgive my father! Chebukati's son to Kenyans

The late Wafula Chebukati 

Former IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati’s youngest son, Emmanuel, has urged Kenyans to stop mocking his family following his father’s death on February 20, 2025.

In a video that has gone viral online, Emmanuel expressed disbelief at the way some Kenyans were celebrating his father’s passing, emphasizing that Chebukati had dedicated himself to serving the country.

“I have never seen Kenyans unite in celebrating the death of a fellow Kenyan as I have seen people rejoice and ridicule us,” he said.

“For the first time, I have seen Kenyans celebrate someone’s death—not the death of an ordinary person, but that of a leader who played a significant role in advancing the country’s democracy.”

When asked why he thought some Kenyans were happy about his father’s passing, Emmanuel suggested that those celebrating were still upset about how his father handled the 2022 General Election.

He emphasized that although the election results did not favour everyone, Chebukati had acted strictly within the law.

“He did his work with respect and in adherence to the constitution because our father valued the law and never went against it,” the 25-year-old said.

“He never made decisions based on personal feelings but always followed the law and the constitution. Maybe things didn’t go as some Kenyans expected, and because he upheld the law, they are now mocking us online.”

Emmanuel appealed to Kenyans to allow his family the dignity to mourn their father, even if they felt wronged by the 2022 election results.

“Please let us honour and lay Mzee to rest with respect. Please don’t mock us,” he pleaded, urging Kenyans to recognize the pain his family is experiencing.

“Some people are saying they will drink and celebrate, but that truly hurts us—knowing that there are Kenyans willing to spend money to celebrate our father’s death.”

He added that his brothers preferred to grieve in private following their father’s passing at Nairobi Hospital after a long illness at the age of 63.

“This is very painful for us as a family. My brothers may not want to see this video because they prefer to keep our matters private, but I have chosen to speak out,” Emmanuel said.

He acknowledged that some Kenyans have labelled him "Chebukati’s Gen Z son" due to his young age but defended his father against corruption allegations linked to the 2022 election.

“We are mourning our father. This is a huge loss, and we are going through a difficult time because he was a good man—straightforward and honest,” he said.

“Some people have associated him with corruption, but our father never engaged in corruption. He always carried out his responsibilities in accordance with the constitution.”

Emmanuel also expressed gratitude to President William Ruto and other leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, for offering their condolences.

“To all the leaders who have condoled with us, we say thank you and may God bless you.”W