National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Wednesday February 26, 2025 led a delegation of Members of Parliament in visiting the Nairobi home of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati to offer their condolences.
During the visit, Speaker Wetang’ula paid tribute to Chebukati’s leadership, emphasizing the weight of the responsibility he carried as head of the country’s electoral body.
“The office that Wafula Chebukati held made him realize that the discharge of his duties was not just physical; it was legal, intellectual, and constitutional. And 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.
Chebukati’s tenure at the IEBC was marked by tough decisions and an unyielding dedication to upholding Kenya’s electoral processes. His departure leaves a lasting impact on governance and electoral reforms.
Beyond honoring Chebukati’s service, Speaker Wetang’ula reflected on the recent tragic events in Mumias, where lives were lost in violent incidents. 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 that political differences do not escalate into violence.
Speaker Wetang’ula 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.”
His remarks served as a reminder to respect the grief of families and allow them to mourn in peace.
Wafula Chebukati’s contributions to Kenya’s democratic process will be remembered for generations. His leadership, integrity, and firm stand on constitutional principles set a standard for public service.
