President William Ruto has led the country in mourning the death of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Wafula Chebukati who died on Friday.
In a statement on his X account, the President remembered Chebukati as a principled and diligent leader who served the country with integrity. Ruto labelled Chebukati's death as a "great loss to the country."
"I have received the news of the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Wafula Chebukati with profound sorrow," he said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace," he added.
Other top government officials, including the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang'ula, and the interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, have also joined in mourning the death of the former IEBC chairman.
The Speaker,described Chebukati as a leader who embodied integrity and dignity during his tenure as chairman of the IEBC, emphasizing that his death is a great loss to the legal fraternity, the electoral governance space, and the nation as a whole.
"During his tenure as Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, he carried out his responsibilities with remarkable courage, fidelity to the Constitution, and an unwavering commitment to justice," he said.
"Even in the face of immense challenges, he remained resolute, guided by his oath of office and the principles of fairness and transparency," he added.
On his side, Murkomen described Chebukati as a true patriot who devoted his fidelity to the Constitution.
"A true patriot and a man of immense integrity, Chebukati professionally steered the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) through two elections," he said
Chebukati died while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital, hardly a week after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following several days of treatment at home.
The reports of his death were confirmed by a family member who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke on Friday morning.
While reports of his illness went viral on social media platforms, the cause of his death is yet to be established, with sources privy to the information remaining private on the matter.
Before his demise, Chebukati served as the IEBC chairperson for six years until 2023, when he retired. During his tenure, he presided over the 2017 and 2022 elections.
