Businesswoman Arnelisa Muigai has voiced her disappointment over the insensitive reactions from some Kenyans regarding the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati.
In a statement shared on her Instagram on Saturday, February 22, 2025, Arnelisa condemned individuals who have chosen to mock or make light of Chebukati’s death. She emphasized that, beyond his public service, he was a devoted family man, someone’s father, husband, grandfather, friend, and mentor.
Arnelisa expressed her dismay at the lack of empathy, stressing that death is a deeply personal and sensitive matter. She urged people to show respect, particularly during such moments of mourning, as Chebukati’s family, friends, and loved ones grieve their loss.
She highlighted the importance of compassion and dignity, reminding the public that regardless of one’s personal opinions, the loss of life should never be trivialized.
“Feeling disgusted by people making jokes over Chebukati’s resting. You all forget that he was a father, a husband, a grandfather, a friend, an uncle, a leader, etc. Why would anyone laugh at/mock him? Death is so personal/sensitive. People should be respectful, especially because families are mourning him. RIP, sir,” the Keroche Breweries heiress expressed.
Chebukati’s death
Chebukati passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital, as confirmed by his family. While the exact cause of his death remains unconfirmed, it is known that he had been undergoing treatment at home before being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition.
His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Kenya’s electoral history. Chebukati was at the helm of the IEBC from January 2017 to January 2023. His leadership faced its biggest challenge during the 2017 general elections, when the Supreme Court of Kenya made the historic decision to annul the presidential election results due to irregularities.
Following the nullification, the IEBC conducted a repeat election on October 26, 2017. However, opposition leader Raila Odinga and his National Super Alliance (NASA) boycotted the poll, citing concerns over the integrity of the process.
In 2022, Chebukati once again found himself in the eye of the storm as he led the commission through another fiercely contested election, which President William Ruto was declared the winner.
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