Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Former prime minister Raila Odinga has joined Kenyans in mourning the death of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair Wafula Chebukati.

In a statement seen by, the ODM leader offered condolences to Chebukati’s family, extending his sympathies to his widow, Mary Chebukati, and their three children.

"To the family of Mr. Wafula Chebukati who passed on earlier today. I pass my sincere condolences and sympathies for the loss of a son, father, husband and a breadwinner," Raila's statement read in part.

He acknowledged the pain of losing a loved one, stating that his thoughts and prayers are with Chebukati’s family.

"No amount of words and assurance of solidarity can ever fill the void left, but that is all we can offer. My thoughts are with the entire family," Raila added.

Chebukati died while receiving medical treatment at The Nairobi Hospital on Thursday, February 20.

The former IEBC chair had reportedly been receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the medical facility for about a week before his death.

Chebukati’s cause of death has not been made public, as the family is still considering whether to conduct a post-mortem.

After his death, Chebukati’s body was transferred to Lee Funeral Home for preservation as burial arrangements began.

Only his close relatives were allowed into the premises, while the media and the public were barred from entering.

Chebukati’s eldest son, Jonathan, and youngest son, Emmanuel, who were seen at the funeral home, requested privacy as the immediate family planned to hold a meeting first.

Kenyans extended their condolences to the former chair’s sons during this difficult time.

Chebukati’s six-year tenure as IEBC chair faced strong criticism, particularly from Raila’s supporters, during the 2017 and 2022 General Elections.

In an August 15, 2022, statement, Raila said Kenya and its growing democracy suffered a major setback when the presidential results were announced.

Raila disputed the election results that declared William Ruto Kenya’s fifth president after a closely contested race.

He accused Chebukati of pushing the country toward a potential legal and political crisis, repeating past mistakes by the electoral agency that had troubled Kenyans.

To challenge the presidential election results, the ODM leader filed a petition in court on Monday, August 22, 2022, against the IEBC’s declaration.

In the petition, Raila claimed Chebukati mishandled the election and overturned the will of the majority.

However, the Supreme Court judges dismissed the consolidated petition challenging Ruto’s victory in the presidential race.

In a landmark ruling in September 2022, Chief Justice Martha Koome dismissed the evidence presented by the petitioners, including Raila.

Source: TUKO.co.ke