Family, MP Wanyonyi call for calm as Wafula Chebukati's body arrives in Trans Nzoia

The body of Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati, the former electoral commission chairman who died last week aged 63, arrived in Trans Nzoia on Thursday afternoon, March 6 ahead of his burial on Saturday.

The body of the former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman was flown from Nairobi aboard a local carrier that landed at Kitale Airstrip, accompanied by family members and relatives.

The cortege was received by his Trans Nzoia family, relatives, and leaders led by Kwanza Member of Parliament Ferdinand Wanyonyi before proceeding to his father's home in the Kambi Nairobi area in Kapomboi Ward, Trans Nzoia County.

Family, friends, and residents will have an opportunity to view the body and hold a prayer service for the deceased at his parents’ Kapomboi home before it is moved on Friday to his Sabata home in Kiminini Constituency for an overnight stay ahead of his burial on Saturday.

Read: End of an era as Chebukati and two poll chiefs exit IEBC

Mr Wanyonyi called for peace and respect during the final send-off, amid fears of a heated political exchange between politicians.

The MP warned that anyone planning to cause chaos or disturbance for political mileage would not be allowed to create confusion and disrespect during the former IEBC Chairman's final send-off.

He said that Mr Chebukati was a respected civil servant and urged residents of Trans Nzoia County to turn out in large numbers to pay their final respects.

“He was a person who worked tirelessly for Kenya, and his time to rest has come. I urge everyone attending the burial to show respect and sympathy to the family,” he appealed.

Read:  Chebukati’s complex ties with Ruto, Uhuru and Raila

On Monday, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya claimed that some political leaders in the region were mobilizing people to cause chaos and disruption during the late Chebukati’s final send-off.

He urged security agencies in the county to take action against any political mobilization for the Saturday event, which is expected to be graced by President William Ruto.

Mr Chebukati will be laid to rest at his rural home in the Sabata area, Kiminini Constituency, on Saturday at a funeral expected to be attended by national leaders and residents.

Last weekend, Mr Chebukati’s family, led by his parents and siblings, pleaded with Kenyans to stop the “hate speech and mockery” of their deceased kin and allow them to give him a befitting send-off.

The family expressed regret over what they termed a series of character assassinations of their kin by some Kenyans, particularly on social media, following his death on February 21. They insisted he was an innocent man with a great personality and high integrity.

Read: The unsmiling Chebukati and electoral rough waters

His family, led by his father John Wafula Chebukati, his mother Joina Nekesa, and his brother Daniel Chebukati, lamented that social media comments about their kin after his demise had tainted his image and public service record.

They noted that they were deeply affected by what they described as the defamation of his character.

“People are saying so many things about our son. It is only after you die that you know your enemies and friends. It has been very painful for us as a family to lose our son,” said his father, as the family urged Kenyans to allow them to mourn their kin and have a peaceful burial on Saturday.

“It is painful for us as a family that we have lost him, and I wish to tell Kenyans that the person they are crucifying is innocent. They are condemning him for sins he never committed. This is a person we know well, and he was as clean as snow,” his brother added.

While condoling with the family of the deceased at their Sabata home on Monday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula eulogised him as a nationalist and a great public servant who administered Kenya’s elections with great integrity.

Read: State wanted us to change August election results - Chebukati

“We know he was a perfect referee, and not everyone was happy with him. Those who failed blamed him, but we know he was a person of high integrity in his work,” the National Assembly Speaker said during his Sunday visit to the deceased’s home.

He said Mr Chebukati’s career as an election referee was recognized by many African countries, which called on him to train and mentor their election officials. He added that those who held grudges against the former IEBC Chairman were individuals with divergent views on the rule of law and political processes.

“This man led a very decent life, even as a career lawyer, and had a clean record with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK),” he said.

“We are going to bury a hero, a nationalist, and a great administrator of elections who was resourceful across Africa. Before his death, he visited several countries on the continent to teach election management, with a critical focus on integrity and constitutional adherence,” said the National Assembly Speaker.

His widow, Mary Chebukati, along with his sons and other relatives, thanked the government for its support in organising his burial.

“My husband led a quiet, respectful life, and we will be happy if we bury him in peace and with respect. It has not been easy for us as a family, but we thank the government for the support that has helped us stay strong during this period,” said the widow.

Mr Chebukati, who completed his six-year tenure at the helm of the IEBC on January 17, 2023, passed away at the age of 63.