The Death of Wafula Chebukati: Five Critical Lessons for Kenyans
The passing of the former chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has triggered mixed reactions among Kenyans. Many have taken to online platforms to express their views, revealing a stark division.
On one side, some are celebrating and ridiculing his demise, arguing that he betrayed the nation. These individuals claim that the problems facing the country today stem from the decisions he made while in office.
According to them, had he upheld electoral integrity, issues such as abductions, killings, and economic struggles under the current government would not exist. They insist that if he had refused to manipulate the election results in favor of the Kenya Kwanza administration, he might still be alive today.
His actions in 2022, they argue, led to a government that prioritizes power over its people’s welfare, leaving many Kenyans grieving due to state-sponsored violence.
On the other hand, there are those who are celebrating him as a hero, commending his role in presiding over what they believe was a free, fair, and credible election.
These individuals, mostly supporters of the current government, view him as a public servant who resisted bribery, intimidation, and threats to ensure democracy prevailed.
President William Ruto himself led these voices in praising Chebukati’s efforts in the 2022 elections.
Amidst the conflicting opinions, the family of the late electoral chief has requested privacy as they mourn, asking the public and media to respect their grieving process.
However, many believe it will be difficult to prevent Kenyans from discussing, analyzing, and forming opinions about his legacy.
Integrity and Accountability in Public Office
One of the most significant lessons Kenyans must take from Chebukati’s death is the importance of integrity and accountability. There are still unresolved questions surrounding the election he oversaw, particularly the mysterious printing of duplicate Form 34A documents.
Some wonder who authorized the printing of these extra documents, who financed them, and why the logistics of their distribution were unclear.
Integrity in leadership demands transparency, and these lingering questions raise concerns about whether due diligence was observed in the electoral process.
Furthermore, there are questions regarding the decision to postpone gubernatorial elections in opposition strongholds such as Mombasa and Kakamega.
Critics argue that this move was a deliberate attempt to suppress voter turnout in favor of the ruling coalition.
The lack of accountability in addressing these concerns has fueled bitterness among those who feel disenfranchised by the electoral process.
The Importance of Leaving a Strong Legacy
Another critical lesson from Chebukati’s demise is the significance of leaving a lasting legacy. The key question remains: how will Kenyans remember him?
Will his legacy be the annulled 2017 election, which the Supreme Court ruled was not free and fair, or the controversial 2022 election that divided the nation?
Many people reference the decisions he made while in office, particularly his role in shaping Kenya’s political trajectory.
In contrast, figures such as former Chief Justice David Maraga, who nullified the 2017 election, are held in high regard for their integrity.
Maraga continues to be respected across political divides, with some even calling for him to run for president. This comparison highlights the importance of leaving behind a reputation that inspires admiration rather than resentment.
The Burden of Public Service
Serving in public office comes with immense pressure and responsibility. Chebukati’s tenure at the IEBC was marked by numerous challenges, and his leadership was constantly under scrutiny.
The controversy surrounding his decisions, particularly the divisions within the electoral commission, demonstrated the heavy burden of public service.
His leadership faced internal opposition when four commissioners publicly rejected the 2022 election results, further complicating his legacy.
This division within the IEBC illustrated the immense weight placed on electoral bodies and how internal rifts can affect public trust in democratic institutions.
The Fleeting Nature of Power and Wealth
Another lesson from his death is the impermanence of power and wealth. Allegations of bribery and corruption have surrounded the IEBC, with claims that substantial sums of money exchanged hands to manipulate election results.
While these claims remain unverified, they highlight the broader issue of corruption in public office. Regardless of whether Chebukati benefited from illicit dealings, his demise serves as a reminder that material gains are temporary.
No amount of wealth or influence can prevent the inevitable passage of time, reinforcing the idea that integrity should always come before personal gain.
The Value of Family Support
Finally, his death underscores the irreplaceable value of family. Despite the political turmoil and public scrutiny he faced after the elections, his family remained by his side until his last moments.
In one of his interviews, he admitted feeling isolated, unable to move freely in public spaces due to the hostility from some sections of the population.
However, through all these trials, his family provided him with unwavering support. This serves as a crucial reminder that in times of crisis, family is often the only true source of comfort and solidarity.
Read Also: 2027 Politics: Why Raila Will Run and Win Despite His Age
Final Thoughts
The passing of Chebukati provides Kenyans with an opportunity to reflect on the lessons his tenure and demise offer. Integrity, accountability, and the importance of leaving a strong legacy are crucial takeaways.
The burden of public service should never be underestimated, and the pursuit of wealth and power must not come at the expense of ethical leadership.
Most importantly, family remains the most valuable pillar of support in times of hardship.
As Kenyans continue to discuss his life and impact, these lessons should guide future leaders and citizens in making informed decisions about governance and democracy.
The Death of Wafula Chebukati: Five Critical Lessons for Kenyans.
