A sombre mood engulfed CITAM Karen on Wednesday during the memorial service to celebrate the life of late former IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati.
The family of the late Chebukati arrived at CITAM Karen for the requiem mass led by daughter Rachel, who carried her father's portrait.
All clad in black suits and dresses, the family made their way into the church carrying the body of the late Chebukati, with the casket bearing the remains of Chebukati being carried by a team led by his sons Jonathan and Emmanuel.
With sorrow painted on their faces, the family remained composed as they escorted the body of their father to the memorial service.
Gloom was painted across the congregation, creating a sombre atmosphere at the church as they sympathised with the family.
His son, Emmanuel seemed strong as he read out the eulogy of his father describing him as a devoted father and a family man.
"Beyond his professional achievements he was a devoted husband and father," he said.
He said despite criticism from peers, Chebukati made golf a family affair where they would spend their Sundays enjoying golf together.
"Playing golf with the family wasn't considered manly by his peers but he chose to do it anyway," he said.
Emmanuel referred to his father's political journey as a short and sweet one as he vied for a parliamentary seat on an ODM ticket where he became 2nd.
He was further appointed as IEBC chair in 2017 where he served six years and was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya's second highest civilian honour.
In 2023 he left office as IEBC chair after successfully serving his full term.
At the church, Bishop David Oginde shared condolences to the family during this hard time.
"We will walk together with you through the whole journey and we hope that you will be fine," Oginde said.
His fellow golfers eulogised Chebukati as a man who always showed his class in golf through his accolades and swag.
"He was always in sophisticated outfits and had the latest gear in tournaments he won," a golfing colleague said.
Former Attorney General Githu Muigai expressed his admiration for Chebukati stating that he learnt a lot from their interaction.
"When we sat together I could always learn something from Chebukati," Muigai said.
On her part, LSK president Faith Odhiambo shared a poem to celebrate the impact Chebukati left behind.
"We want to share our condolences as the LSK family to the family. He has been able to leave his mark here as a great man," Odhiambo said.
LSK recognised Chebukati as someone special as he served time at the society.
Justice Daniel Musinga in his tribute on behalf of the Judiciary remembered Chebukati as a good man when he served as IEBC chair and other endeavours he took part in.
"He was a man with decorum who carried out his job properly," he said.
Chebukati will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
