Gatundu South Member of Parliament, Gabriel Kagombe, has called for a state funeral for the late Wafula Chebukati, the former chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement made on Saturday, February 22, Kagombe highlighted the significant role Chebukati played in maintaining peace during Kenya’s 2017 and 2022 general elections, which helped prevent the outbreak of post-election violence. He believes Chebukati should be celebrated as a national hero.
Kagombe emphasized that Chebukati’s unwavering commitment to the electoral process, despite the challenges he faced, made him a standout leader in Kenya’s history.
He pointed out that Chebukati’s resilience, especially during times when many attempted to sway him, set him apart from his predecessors. Kagombe said, “He did not allow anyone to intimidate him or compromise his duty. Chebukati stood firm and fought for the rights of Kenyans.”
He also recalled how the country faced serious tension in 2022, with the potential for violence following the election, but Chebukati’s steadfast leadership helped the nation avoid a crisis.
Kagombe stated that unlike the 2007 election, which saw violence due to leadership failures, Chebukati did not back down and instead made sure the truth prevailed, keeping Kenya from spiraling into chaos.
Chebukati was appointed as the IEBC chairman by President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2017. Throughout his tenure, he faced numerous challenges.
Notably, the 2017 presidential election results were annulled by the Supreme Court due to irregularities, making history as the first time a presidential election was overturned in Kenya. Despite this setback, Chebukati oversaw a repeat election, showcasing his determination to uphold the electoral process.
In 2022, Chebukati declared William Ruto as the winner of the presidential election, despite divisions within the IEBC. His decision was met with resistance from some of his colleagues, but Chebukati held firm, and the Supreme Court later upheld the election results.
After retiring in January 2023, Chebukati was awarded the prestigious Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya’s second-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his service to the nation.
Chebukati passed away on Friday, February 21, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital. He had been in critical condition for several days, having been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) shortly after his health deteriorated.
Although rumors surrounding his illness spread on social media, the exact cause of his death remains unknown, with insiders keeping the details private.
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