Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati was laid to rest at his Sabata home in Trans Nzoia County, with Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka eulogizing him as a steadfast leader who shielded the country from turmoil.
Speaking during the final funeral mass, Governor Lusaka recounted how Chebukati, despite facing threats and physical assault at the Bomas of Kenya tallying center, courageously went ahead to declare the 2022 presidential election results.
“Had he faltered or succumbed to pressure, Kenya would have plunged into a constitutional crisis, paving the way for chaos. The man lying in that casket stood firm and saved the nation,” Lusaka stated.
The governor described Chebukati as a principled man of integrity who never hesitated to call out wrongdoing.
He recalled the 2013 general elections when Chebukati, then a commissioner, reprimanded him and his opponent over election-related violence, fining him KSh 1 million despite their shared ethnic background.
Lusaka also condemned those criticizing Chebukati in death, cautioning that such actions went against Bukusu cultural beliefs, which dictate that the departed be accorded the utmost respect.
“As a referee, he was never going to please everyone, but he remained steadfast in his duty,” he added.
At the same time, the governor urged the Mulembe community to rally behind President William Ruto, arguing that supporting the head of state was the surest way to secure development for the region.
The funeral was attended by a host of high-profile dignitaries, including President Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and the Speakers of both the National Assembly and the Senate, among others.
