Wafula Chebukati’s widow Mary Wanyonyi has spoken for the first time since Chebukati’s passing, remembering her husband as a peaceful and respectful man.
“You all know the kind of life he led. A nice, quiet, respectful life. I know you are going to honor him in the same way,” she said during a meeting at their home.
The late Wafula Chebukati, former Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 8, at his Sabata home in Kiminini Constituency, Trans Nzoia County.
Wafula Chebukati’s wife speaks for the first time after husband’s death, asks for peace during his funeral. Photo: Courtesy.
Chebukati, who passed away on February 21, had been battling ill health for over a year.
A requiem mass will be held on Wednesday, March 5, at CITAM Karen.
A memorial service and tribute event will take place at his Sabata home on Friday, March 7, before his final burial the next day.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, assured the family of the late that the government would give Chebukati a dignified send-off.
Days after his death the family’s spokesperson Eric Wafula Nyongesa revealed that Chebukati was diagnosed with brain cancer and underwent two surgeries in Germany to remove a tumour.
However, in April 2024, the tumour recurred, leading to a second surgery and in December 2024, doctors confirmed another recurrence, requiring further medical attention.
On February 12, 2025, he was admitted to the ICU, where he suffered a cardiac arrest on February 20 and passed away the following day.
The late Chebukati served as IEBC Chairperson for six years, overseeing Kenya’s 2017 and 2022 general elections.
He retired from the position on January 17, 2023.
