DP Kindiki, Uhuru, Kalonzo join in mourning former IEBC Chair Chebukati

Messages of condolences have continued to pour in for the late former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, who died on Thursday night.

President William Ruto led other leaders in mourning the former IEBC Chair, describing him as a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity.

"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," said Ruto.

His deputy, Prof. Kithure Kindiki remembered Chebukati as a patriot and consummate lawyer, who boldly helped calm the country in the heat of the 2022 General Election.

Prof. Kindiki underscored that Chebukati’s courage and professionalism were displayed in his role as the IEBC boss even when he declared Ruto as president.

“Wafula Chebukati will be remembered for his courageous, stoic, and emotionless posture while he steered Kenya’s general elections as the Chairman of the IEBC,” said Kindiki.

“He was calm but firm. He displayed fairness, and he discharged his professional and public duties, oblivious to bias. In his death, Kenya has lost a great son, patriot, and consummate lawyer.”

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, on his part, lauded the deceased for his resilience in shaping the country’s electoral landscape in his 6-year tenure as the IEBC chair from 2017 to 2023.

“It is with deep sadness that I have learnt 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,” Uhuru wrote.

“My heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May they find strength and solace in cherished memories.”

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, in his condolence message, said: “I extend my condolences to the family and friends of former IEBC Chairman Chebukati. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr Chebukati's family during this moment of sorrow.”

Chebukati died at a Nairobi hospital following a long illness. He was aged 63.

A lawyer by profession, Chebukati was appointed IEBC Chairperson by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2017, with his six-year term coming to a conclusion on January 17, 2023.