Nairobi — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula led a delegation of Members of Parliament to the Nairobi home of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati to offer condolences to his family following his passing.
Chebukati played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya's electoral landscape, having presided over three elections, including the repeat 2017 presidential poll.
He was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, and democratic principles.
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During the visit, Wetangula paid tribute to Chebukati's leadership, highlighting the immense responsibility he carried as head of the country's electoral body.
"The office that Wafula Chebukati held made him realize that his duties were not just physical but also legal, intellectual, and constitutional. He carried out his role with integrity until the very end. That is the great man we are preparing to bid farewell to very soon," he said.
He reccaled that Chebukati's tenure at the IEBC was marked by tough decisions and an unyielding dedication to strengthening Kenya's electoral processes.
Electoral reforms
His departure, the House Speaker noted, leaves a lasting impact on governance and electoral reforms.
Beyond honoring Chebukati's service, Wetangula reflected on the recent tragic events in Mumias, where violent clashes led to loss of lives.
He called for reconciliation and urged Kenyans to prioritize unity.
"What happened in Mumias was tragic. We have witnessed the bloodshed of our brothers and sons. Let us move away from this and work towards peace and unity," he urged.
His message underscored the importance of fostering national cohesion and ensuring political differences do not escalate into violence.
Wetangula also called on leaders to uphold dignity during funerals, discouraging the use of such solemn gatherings as political platforms.
"We recently attended the funeral of the father of the Speaker of the Senate, Mzee Kingi. Not a single politician engaged in politics at that solemn occasion. I also attended a funeral in the North Rift region, where political discussions were not entertained. When you speak politics there, they simply look at you in silence," he noted.