Chebukati's Family Urges Kenyans Not To Speculate On His Death

The family of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has appealed to Kenyans to avoid coming up with speculations of whatever form surrounding his death.

The family confirmed Chebukati's demise on Friday, February 21, moments after social media reports went viral surrounding his death. Their plea comes as they ask Kenyans to accord them privacy and allow them to mourn their kin peacefully.

“We are all saddened by the loss, and as the family comes to terms with it, we are asking everybody, including the press, to please allow the family privacy as they mourn,” said the spokesperson.

Video courtesy of Citizen TV:

“We hope to issue a formal statement by tomorrow after a meeting this evening, and by then, we will send out an official communication.”

The family spokesperson stated that Chebukati’s relatives, including his father, had travelled to Nairobi on Thursday night shortly after learning of his passing.

Urging Kenyans to refrain from speculation, the spokesperson revealed that Chebukati passed away at a Nairobi hospital on February 20, shortly before 11 p.m., after a prolonged illness, the details of which the family has not yet disclosed.

"All I wish to say is that he had been unwell and was in hospital. He passed away at around 11 pm last night. However, the family has yet to decide on conducting a post-mortem," Wafula stated.

"Once the family has decided to proceed with a post-mortem and after speaking to the doctors, we will be able to explain to the nation what could have caused his death. I suppose that will be part of the communication we will be giving out. Please do not speculate," he added.

The family’s press briefing took place just two hours after reports emerged that Chebukati had died while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital.

Meanwhile, the former IEBC chairperson's body has been transferred to the renowned Lee Funeral Home as the family deliberates on whether to proceed with a post-mortem.

Additionally, several leaders across the country, including President William Ruto, have expressed their condolences on social media. Ruto remembered Chebukati as a principled and dedicated leader who served the nation with integrity.

"I have received the news of the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Wafula Chebukati with profound sorrow. Chebukati was a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity," he wrote in part.

"His death is a great loss to our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest In Peace."