President William Ruto is among notable leaders who have mourned former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati.
Chebukati’s family confirmed his demise on Friday, February 21 saying that the former IEBC chairperson died on Thursday night aged 64 following a long illness.
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Ruto while mourning the former IEBC chair, who served for a full term of six years before his retirement in January 2023, said that he received the news of his passing with profound sorrow.
“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,” said Ruto.
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in Peace”
Ruto leads tributes as Kenyans mourn former IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati
Here are other tributes from different notable political figures.
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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta
It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of Wafula Chebukati, former Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Throughout his time in office, he played a pivotal role in shaping our nation’s electoral landscape, often navigating intricate challenges with remarkable resilience.
My heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May they find strength and solace in cherished memories.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula
It is with deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of my learned friend, Wafula Chebukati, an eminent jurist, steadfast defender of the rule of law, and dedicated public servant whose contributions to our nation’s democratic journey will be remembered for generations.
As an advocate of great repute, Chebukati embodied the dignity and integrity of the legal profession.
During his tenure as Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, he carried out his responsibilities with remarkable courage, fidelity to the Constitution, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Even in the face of immense challenges, he remained resolute, guided by his oath of office and the principles of fairness and transparency. His passing is a profound loss not only to his family but also to the legal fraternity, the electoral governance space, and the nation as a whole.
His legacy of integrity and service will continue to inspire future generations of legal minds and public servants dedicated to upholding the rule of law and advancing democracy.
On my behalf, that of my family, and the National Assembly of Kenya, I offer my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues. In this time of grief, may the Almighty grant them comfort and strength.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi
I join my fellow Kenyans in mourning the passing on of former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati.
Chebukati oversaw fair and transparent elections that have continued to promote the rule of law and governance in Kenya. May his soul rest in peace.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati, the former Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
A man of integrity and conviction, he dedicated his life to upholding democracy, serving our nation with diligence and an unwavering sense of duty.
I will always remember him as a man of resilience and wisdom, who navigated challenging moments with courage, fairness, and an unshakable commitment to transparency.
His contributions to electoral governance will remain a lasting inspiration to those who champion justice and good leadership. Beyond his public service, he was a devoted family man, and my thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary and former Attorney General Justin Muturi
Wafula Chebukati’s tenure at the helm of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was marked by dedication and a firm commitment to the principles of democracy.
His leadership in overseeing the electoral process played a significant role in shaping the country’s governance. Kenya mourns a leader who played a central role in managing elections and ensuring the democratic will of the people was upheld.
His service to the nation will be remembered, and his contribution to strengthening our electoral system will not be forgotten.
My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. May you find strength and peace during this time of mourning.
National Assembly Speaker Kimani Ichung’wah
The nation mourns the loss of Hon. Wafula Chebukati, former Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
His unwavering dedication to upholding the integrity of Kenya’s democracy, particularly during pivotal electoral moments, remains a testament to his steadfast leadership and commitment to justice.
As a guardian of free and fair elections, Chebukati exemplified courage, impartiality, and an unyielding respect for the will of the people.
His service transcended duty; it was a profound contribution to the stability and progress of our nation.
To his family, friends, and colleagues, in this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Former IEBC commissioner Dr. Roselyn Akombe who served with Chebukati also mourned him following the demise.
“Rest in peace, Mr. Chairman,” she said.
Chebukati’s demise occurred after he was earlier in the week admitted to a hospital in Nairobi on Monday.
A family source said that the former IEBC chair had been declared ‘clinically dead,’ with most of his organs no longer functioning.
Wafula Chebukati profile
He was a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and founded the Cootow and Associates Advocates law in Nairobi in 2006.
Wafula went on to contest for the Saboti Constituency parliamentary seat in 2007 on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket but lost.
Also Read: Inside Proposal to Bring Back Chebukati and his IEBC Team
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed the lawyer as IEBC Chairperson on a six-year tenure in January 2017 in which he went on to oversee three Kenyan elections during his tenure.
This included the hotly contested 2017 general election, the October 2017 repeat presidential election and the 2022 general elections.
Wafula officially retired on January 17, 2023, after six years at the helm of the electoral commission.
The former IEBC boss attended Lenana High School before joining the University of Nairobi (UoN) where he attained a bachelor’s degree in law.
He also held a master’s degree in business administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Chebukati was also a member of the Institute of Certified Secretaries, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
His contributions to the legal profession and public service earned him the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) award, a significant honor by the government of Kenya.
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