- Former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati’s body has arrived at his Kitale home ahead of his burial on Saturday.
- The body was transported in a limousine hearse, escorted by a convoy of high-end vehicles.
- Village members gathered for a vigil as choirs sang and a village elder led prayers.
- A memorial service was held on Wednesday at CITAM Karen, where leaders and family paid tribute.
- Chebukati succumbed to brain cancer on February 21 at Nairobi Hospital.
- He served as IEBC Chairperson for six years, overseeing the 2017 and 2022 elections.
The body of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has arrived at his Kitale home ahead of his burial set for Saturday.
A limousine hearse transported the body, escorted by a convoy of high-end vehicles carrying his family members and close associates. Upon arrival, the body was retrieved from the hearse and placed in front of a tent, where hundreds of mourners had gathered for a vigil.
Videos shared online show the emotional moment as the community came together to honour Chebukati’s memory. A village elder, dressed in a black suit, led prayers, while choirs took turns singing in an atmosphere filled with grief and reverence.
A YouTube livestream captured the moment as the mood for the burial began setting in, with mourners jeering in anticipation. Police officers were deployed to maintain order as the crowd grew.
Memorial Service in Nairobi
This follows a memorial service held on Wednesday at CITAM Karen, where family, friends, and national leaders paid tribute to Chebukati’s legacy. Speakers lauded his dedication to integrity and service during his tenure at the electoral commission.
Chebukati’s Battle with Illness
The former IEBC chairperson passed away on February 21 at Nairobi Hospital at the age of 64. According to family spokesperson Eric Nyongesa, he had been diagnosed with brain cancer in April 2023, just months after retiring from office.
“He fought bravely with the same resilience he showed throughout his life. He never let his illness define him,” Nyongesa stated. The family had kept his diagnosis private until now, revealing the silent battle he endured in his final months.
Legacy of a Controversial Tenure
Chebukati served as IEBC Chairperson for a full six-year term, retiring in January 2023 after overseeing two General Elections. His tenure was marked by critical electoral reforms and high-stakes disputes, particularly during the contested 2017 and 2022 elections.
As the nation prepares for his final send-off, Chebukati’s contributions to Kenya’s electoral landscape remain a subject of discussion, with both praise and criticism defining his legacy.
