Photo Courtesy
The family of the late Wafula Chebukati, former chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has made a public appeal for privacy following his untimely death.
In a statement delivered by family spokesperson Erick Nyongesa at Lee Funeral Home, they requested the public to refrain from speculation regarding the circumstances of his passing.
Family’s Appeal for Privacy
On Friday, February 21, 2025, Nyongesa addressed the media, accompanied by Chebukati’s sons, Jonathan and Emmanuel. He conveyed the family’s request for privacy during this challenging period, noting that Chebukati’s father had traveled from Kitale to Nairobi upon receiving the tragic news. Nyongesa stated, “He was unwell and he rested yesterday. For the moment that is what we wish to share. The family is yet to make a decision whether they want to undertake a postmortem. Please don’t speculate.”
Chebukati’s Children
Wafula Chebukati is survived by his three children: Rachel, Jonathan, and Emmanuel. Despite maintaining a low public profile, each has established a successful career.
- Rachel Chebukati: The eldest, Rachel, has built a distinguished career in law. She serves as a Senior State Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice, a position she has held since July 2021. Before this role, Rachel gained experience at prominent law firms, including Simmons and Simmons. Her academic background includes studies at the University of Dundee.
- Emmanuel Chebukati: The youngest, Emmanuel, has made strides in the tech industry as a cloud security engineer. His expertise encompasses system auditing, application security, and secure cloud deployment. Emmanuel co-founded Hepta Analytics, a data analytics firm operating in Kenya and Rwanda. His professional journey began in 2015 as an information security consultant, following his participation in the Presidential Digital Talent Programme.
- Jonathan Chebukati: The middle child, Jonathan, has maintained a private life, with limited public information about his career.
Public Tributes and Condolences
The news of Chebukati’s passing has elicited condolences from various leaders and public figures. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga extended his sympathies to the family, particularly to Chebukati’s widow, Mary, and their children. In his message, Odinga acknowledged the profound loss and offered his thoughts and prayers to the bereaved family.
Chebukati’s Legacy
Wafula Chebukati’s tenure as IEBC chairman was marked by significant events in Kenya’s electoral history. Appointed in January 2017, he oversaw the 2017 and 2022 general elections, both of which were subjects of intense scrutiny and legal challenges. Despite the controversies, Chebukati remained steadfast in his commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Chebukati was a devoted family man. He often celebrated his family’s milestones publicly. In August 2023, he commemorated the birthdays of his mother and daughter, both born in the same month, with a family gathering in Diani.
