President William Ruto has pledged to honor the late Wafula Chebukati, former chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), by renaming Sabata Secondary School in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, in his honor. This announcement was made during Chebukati’s burial ceremony in Kiminini, where Ruto also committed to constructing fifteen new classrooms and completing pending projects in the region to foster development.

Ruto lauded Chebukati as an individual of great intellect and integrity who remained steadfast in the face of immense pressure to ensure the right thing was done. He highlighted that Chebukati had set a high standard for the IEBC chairperson, refusing to succumb to blackmail, threats, or intimidation. The president's decision to rename the school and invest in its infrastructure underscores Chebukati's commitment to integrating technology into Kenya's electoral process.

Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau had requested the president to support the expansion of Sabata Secondary School, including renaming it the "Wafula Chebukati Centre of Excellence" and improving its infrastructure with an ICT hub. Ruto's commitment fulfills this request, recognizing Chebukati's dedication to education and his significant role in enhancing the integrity of Kenya's elections.

During the burial, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged the IEBC selection panel to choose a trustworthy leader, emphasizing that the strength of institutions relies on the individuals who lead them. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya called for respect in remembering Chebukati, urging people to honor him for his contributions rather than dwell on past controversies. Natembeya noted that public servants are subject to scrutiny and that Chebukati’s death should not be solely attributed to his role as IEBC chair.

Wafula Chebukati passed away last month due to cancer and was laid to rest in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County. His tenure as IEBC chairman was marked by significant events, including the annulled 2017 presidential results and the challenging 2022 general election. Despite facing immense pressure, resignation calls, and even physical attacks, Chebukati remained committed to his duty. The 2022 presidential vote placed him at the center of national tension due to delays in announcing the results, during which he and his family received threats. He is remembered as a dedicated public servant who served Kenya during a tumultuous period in its electoral history.