The family of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati has confirmed that they will disclose the exact cause of his death after consulting with doctors at Nairobi Hospital.
Speaking to the press at Lee Funeral Home, family spokesperson Eric Nyongesa Wafula requested privacy and patience, stating that the family is still coming to terms with the loss.
He noted that Chebukati passed away on Thursday at around 11 PM while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital, where he had been admitted for a week.
The family has not yet shared further details, as they are waiting to meet with his doctors to determine the exact cause of death. They are also considering whether an autopsy will be conducted.
Wafula made it clear that at the moment, the family is focused on mourning their loved one and will provide more details later. He was accompanied by Chebukati’s eldest son, Jonathan Chebukati, and his youngest son, Emmanuel Chebukati, along with other close family members.
He urged the media and the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time. He added that the family would issue another statement tomorrow evening after consultations.
Chebukati, who was 63 years old, had a long and eventful career in public service. He was appointed as the IEBC Chairman on January 17, 2017, succeeding Isaack Hassan. His tenure at the electoral commission was marked by controversy, particularly during the 2017 general election and the repeat presidential election that followed.
He often found himself at the center of political storms, with different sides accusing him of bias. Despite the challenges, he remained firm in his decisions, insisting that he was committed to upholding the integrity of elections in Kenya.
Before his time at the IEBC, Chebukati was a lawyer based in Mombasa, where he built a successful legal career. He had also dabbled in politics, running for the Saboti parliamentary seat in 2007 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
However, his bid was unsuccessful, and he later shifted his focus back to his legal practice before joining the electoral body.
President William Ruto led other national leaders in mourning Chebukati, describing him as a principled leader who served Kenya with dedication. The president highlighted Chebukati’s role in managing the country’s elections, noting that he had made tough decisions that shaped Kenya’s democratic process.
Other leaders also shared their condolences, recognizing his contributions to the nation.
As Kenyans await further details about the cause of his death, many are reflecting on Chebukati’s impact on the country’s electoral system. His tenure at the IEBC will be remembered for both the challenges he faced and the decisions he made.
For now, the focus remains on his family as they navigate this difficult moment, with the promise of more information to be shared after their meeting with the doctors.
