Wafula Chebukati's Photo with William Cheptumo Evokes Painful Memories Among Kenyans
Kenya has been rocked by the deaths of prominent people in the recent past in quick succession.
Source: Twitter
The first to die was Baringo senator William Kipkorir Cheptumo.
The senator was pronounced dead on Saturday, February 15, at Nairobi Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed Cheptumo’s death and described him as a dedicated leader who served with unmatched zeal.
Two days later on Monday, February 17, Malava MP Moses Injendi died.
The legislator was admitted to the Aga Kahan University Hospital in Nairobi. Moses Wetang’ula confirmed his death and described him as a dedicated public servant.
Injendi served as the Malava MP since 2013 and was the vice chairman of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research. In a heartbreaking twist, Injendi’s older brother, Samuel Injendi, had died just a day before while undergoing treatment in Kakamega county.
The latest prominent death was of Wafula Chebukati, the former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair.
Chebukati died on Thursday, February 20 at the Nairobi Hospital where he was admitted for almost a week.
The 63-year-old served as IEBC chair for six years and retired in January 2023, after presiding over two general elections.
As the burial preparations are underway, a photo of Chebukati and Cheptumo has surfaced on social media.
The image was captured in 2019 and depicted the two in high spirits while speaking to each other.
They both leaned in while speaking and were all smiles.
According to the Nation, Cheptumo was serving as the chairman of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
They were attending the launch of the post-evaluation report for the 2017 General and Fresh Presidential elections at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
The two died days apart and their bodies are being preserved at Lee Funeral Home. Kenyans reacted to the photo by saying:
John Mutua:
“And they were both lawyers. Shine on your way legends.”
Blessed John:
“It's fate. It has its way of making a pattern towards the final destination.”
Jared Moturi:
“Nothing is permanent in this world. Rely on Jesus.”
Peter Macharia:
“A good reminder to those acquiring all the wealth while killing and/or abducting others. Life is short, and no one is immortal.”
Tito Nyaega:
“Let them rest in peace. Glory to God.”
Lugard Musambai:
“Go well. Greetings to Msando.”
Mumo Tom:
“Friends even in death.”
Clifford Misati:
“They're smiling together.”
Fabian Miroro:
“Life is a mystery indeed.”
Soon after Chebukati’s death, a Kenyan claimed that influencer Dennis Wanjala was his son and would demand a share of his estate.
Many Kenyans admitted that they could see the resemblance and both came from Bungoma county.
Source: Twitter
Speaking to , Wanjala explained that the viral montage doing rounds was of a photo he took during the last general election.
However, he noted that they were not related.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
