Kenyans gathered to pay tribute to the late Wafula Chebukati, former IEBC Chair, lauding his dedication and integrity. Prominent leaders, including Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula, praised his role in overseeing three presidential elections. His wife expressed concerns about the social media backlash from the 2022 elections, while family and political figures celebrated his legacy and character.
On Saturday, a significant number of Kenyans gathered to honor the late Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati, the former Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), during his final farewell at his home in Sabata, Kiminini Sub County. This event, initially anticipated to be a platform for political discourse, saw an array of speakers expressing heartfelt tributes, commending Chebukati for his dedication, honesty, and integrity in serving the nation.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi led the tributes, lauding Chebukati as a diligent servant of the people who remained steadfast against influence. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula reflected on Chebukati’s remarkable tenure, particularly noting his unique achievement of overseeing three presidential elections. Wetangula stated, “With the divided IEBC of 2022, not many would have managed to deliver a credible exercise under pressure the way Chebukati did.”
Senate Leader Amason Kingi recognized Chebukati as a legal role model who spoke only when necessary, emphasizing his admirable reputation across the continent. According to Kingi, Chebukati was a beloved leader whose contributions would be eternally noted in Kenya’s historical narrative. Leader of Majority in the Senate Aaron Cheruiyot spoke of Chebukati’s unwavering commitment to truth and service, inspiring fellow citizens to emulate his dedication.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya described Chebukati as a hero who worked diligently and was firm in his beliefs. His wife, Mary Chebukati, Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation, remembered him as a generous individual with a relentless desire for the wellbeing of his family, expressing concerns regarding the negative repercussions of social media amidst the turmoil from the contentious August 2022 elections.
Wafula Chebukati Senior and Joyinah Wafula, the deceased’s parents, described him as both resilient and principled. Wafula Chebukati is survived by his wife and three children: Jonathan, Emmanuel, and Racheal. Multiple legislators and senators attended the funeral to pay their respects, adhering to the guidelines issued by authorities, which prohibited political attire and speeches from the gathering.
In conclusion, the farewell of Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati celebrated his legacy as a dedicated leader, emphasizing integrity and service in the public sphere. Esteemed political figures remembered him for his remarkable ability to maintain credibility under pressure and underscored the importance of his contributions to Kenya’s democratic processes. His family’s memories and the solemn assembly of leaders reflected a deep respect for his life and work, asserting his place in the nation’s history.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
