National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Kenyans to honour the legacy of the former Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Wafula Chebukati by turning up in large numbers for his final send-off.
In a heartfelt tribute shared via his official X account on Sunday, March 2, 2025, Wetang’ula, called on Kenyans to join President William Ruto and other leaders in bidding farewell to a man whose contributions to the nation will continue to inspire generations to come.
He expressed his profound sorrow at the loss of Chebukati, stating that his management of the IEBC followed the law, and earned him respect from other countries, who often invited him to share his expertise on running an electoral body.
“I urge Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to join leaders led by President William Ruto in sending off Chebukati whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” Wetang’ula said.
“The country mourns a leader who upheld respect and dignity in the conduct of his duties. His ability to manage the IEBC in strict accordance with the law earned him admiration from other countries who invited him to share knowledge on how to effectively run an electoral body.
The speaker, who had paid a visit to the family of the late Chairman, at their rural home in Kitale, TransNzoia County, extended his deepest condolences to his widow, Mama Mary Wanyonyi, and the entire family and asked Kenyans to put them in prayers.
“I joined the family of the former IEBC Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, at their rural home in Kitale, TransNzoia County to once again extend my heartfelt condolences. As the family, led by his widow Mama Mary Wanyonyi, mourns the late Chebukati who was a remarkable man and a dedicated public servant, I asked Kenyans to put them in prayers during this grieving moment,” he said.
Chebukati’s funeral arrangements
The family of Chebukati on Saturday, March 1, 2025, shared the funeral program via his official X account.
According to the program, the family will hold a funeral service in Nairobi on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at CITAM Karen, from 11:00 am. On Friday, March 7, 2025, the family will hold service and tributes at Chebukati’s rural home in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, at 9:00 am.
A burial service will then be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Chebukati’s Kitale home, starting from 9:00 am.
“We are grateful for the friends and well-wishers who continue to condole with the family and extend their support through contributions,” a statement on the funeral program read.
His death
Chebukati passed on on Friday, February 21, 2025, at a Nairobi hospital, as confirmed by family.
Speaking during a press conference, family spokesman Eric Nyongesa stated that he suffered a cardiac arrest on Thursday night.
“In April 2024, it was discovered that the tumour had recurred, and because of that, he went to Germany for a second operation. He was there until August 2024. In December 2024, it was discovered that the tumour had recurred again, and he was in the hospital until early January,” Nyongesa said while addressing the media on February 24, 2025.
