The body of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has finally arrived at his hometown of Kitale ahead of his much-anticipated burial on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
According to videos shared online seen by JULISHA.CO.KE the body, holstered on a limousine hearse, arrived in the village flanked by a convoy of high-end cars that carried his family members and close associates.
The body arrived at around 3:30 PM, from his home in Karen following a memorial service held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, where the mood had also been sombre as his family eulogised him.
His three children—a daughter and two sons—fondly remembered him as a hands-on father who, despite his demanding career, always prioritized family.
"He was fully present in our lives. Every Christmas, he made it a tradition to take us on holiday. Family was his anchor," they shared.
Mary recalled their first encounter in Mombasa, where she attended a Ministry of Finance forum and he was giving legal advice. "It took him a long time to gather the courage to propose, but when he did, he won my heart completely," she reminisced.
According to the family, Chebukati had plans to enroll for a PhD before falling ill. His wife, Mary, described him as a loving and devoted spouse who cherished her deeply.
The late electoral chief, who served from 2017 to 2023, passed away on February 20 at Nairobi Hospital at the age of 63.
Chebukati had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for nearly a week before succumbing to cardiac arrest.
His family later disclosed that he had been battling brain cancer, a diagnosis he received in April 2023, shortly after completing his term at the electoral commission.
Following his diagnosis, he underwent a successful surgery in Germany to remove the tumor. After returning to Kenya in July 2023, the cancer re-emerged in April 2024, necessitating a second operation. He resumed his activities after treatment but faced another recurrence in December 2024, leading to his hospitalization until early 2025.
Despite his health struggles, Chebukati remained actively involved in electoral affairs, participating in international forums up until early 2024. His passing has been met with tributes from colleagues, politicians, and members of the legal fraternity.
A burial ceremony is scheduled for March 8 at his Kitale farm, following a funeral service in his rural home on Friday.
Chebukati, a lawyer with 37 years of experience, was a prominent figure in Kenya’s legal and governance landscape. Before joining the IEBC, he co-founded Cootow & Associates Advocates in 2006 and specialized in corporate law, commercial law, and dispute resolution. He resigned from the firm in 2017 upon his appointment as IEBC chair.
During his tenure at the commission, he oversaw the 2017 and 2022 General Elections, navigating complex electoral processes and political challenges. Prior to joining the IEBC, he was involved in politics as a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) but resigned before taking up his electoral role.
Beyond his legal and electoral work, Chebukati had a deep passion for golf. He held leadership positions at Nyali and Mombasa Golf Clubs and was a member of the Kenya Golfing Society.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Chebukati, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), and their children. Despite his public service, Chebukati maintained a private family life.
