Emmanuel Chebukati, the lastborn son of the late former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, was born into a home of discipline and leadership. Emannuel was by his father’s side until he took his last breath.
Raised in Nyali, Mombasa, Emmanuel’s childhood was filled with love, structure, and valuable life lessons imparted by his father.
From an early age, Emmanuel was entrusted with responsibilities that shaped his character and work ethic.
He managed staff salaries and procurement matters at home, an experience that he said taught him financial discipline, accountability, and the value of fairness in labor.
“Each month, I would prepare a budget, present it to my father for approval, collect and disburse the funds, and ensure that every employee signed upon receipt. To him, it was not just about arithmetic; it was about understanding the dignity of labor,” he said as he eulogized his father on Wednesday, March 5.
Despite growing up in a household led by a man known for his firm leadership, Emmanuel experienced the softer, nurturing side of his father, who believed in teaching responsibility through action rather than mere instruction.
Also Read: Chebukati’s Family Warns Kenyans Against Saying Bad Things About Him
Emmanuel Chebukati’s Special Bond With his Father
Unlike his older siblings, Emmanuel had a uniquely close relationship with his father, especially during his high school years.
When the rest of the family relocated to Nairobi, his father chose to remain in Mombasa to support him through his final years of school.
During this time, they developed routines that strengthened their bond, like cooking together, experimenting with recipes, especially mudfish, and driving around the coastal city.
He recalled that his father, ever the teacher, ensured that these moments were filled with life lessons, whether about independence, resilience, or the importance of paying attention to detail.
Their shared love for travel also helped them explore different parts of the world, creating memories that Emmanuel cherishes.
Also Read: Chebukati’s Family Reveal Cause of His Death
Education and Career Journey
Emmanuel pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Computer Technology at USIU-Africa after completing his high school education, a decision fully supported by his father.
However, even before completing his studies, Emmanuel was already making strides in his career, securing an internship and later landing a job in his field.
One day, while at the Royal Golf Club’s 19th hole, he informed his father of his decision to resign from his job.
At first, his father was excited, assuming he had found a better opportunity, but his excitement quickly turned into concern when Emmanuel revealed that he had no new job lined up.
He explained that he was leaving to pursue a Master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University in the United States.
“He was excited at first, assuming that I had gotten a better opportunity, but that was not the case. He asked me, how do you leave a job before you get another job. But I told him that I wanted to pursue a master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University in the US. He was at peace.
“He supported me by immediately buying me an air ticket, paid my school fees, gave me his blessings and drove me to the airport,” he narrated.
Additionally, he narrated that his father supported him when he wanted to start his own company, giving him a loan of Ksh620,000 to rent an office space.
“He also supported me in business. When I started my business in Rwanda, we needed some money to secure a premium office space. And so he loaned me Ksh620, 0000.
“When I repaid one month early, he was proud. But when he learnt that the money had been flagged because I was supposedly the son of a politician, he was furious. As my life in business grew into consulting,” he said.
Though his father’s passing left a void, Emmanuel continues to carry his legacy forward, keeping his lessons, memories, and unwavering belief that he can achieve anything he sets his mind to.
Because he was his own boss and was able to get time off work, he was the family member that was beside Chebukati through his illness and even his last days.
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