IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati Narrates the Agony of Heading the Electoral Commission

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati has revealed the responsibility and agony that holding a position like his attracts.

Ever since the Supreme Court indicted the electoral commission while invalidating the August 8th election, Chebukati, being the head of the commission became the center of attention.

Before declaring the winner of October 26th repeat presidential election on Monday evening, the 56-year-old lawyer spoke out about his tribulations at the helm of the commission.

From being branded a weak manager to being abandoned by one of his commissioners and even allegedly leading a divided house, it is clear that chairing the electoral commission is a job one would have to first think twice before taking it.

“I have watched as people seeking a punching bag found a very good one in me. I find it interesting that while some say how weak a chairman I am, those in IEBC say, ‘This chairman is too principled and cannot be influenced", he said.

"I have all these scenarios. I have been called names but this just goes to show that when you have an assignment and you have focus in putting Kenya first, you still will not please everyone,” he added.

He acknowledged his family for standing with him and confessed that his job directly impacted in his family, owing to the pressure and name-calling that comes with it.

“I want to thank my family – my wife and kids. They really bear the brunt of all the harassment I go through. When they watch television and people say all manner of things about me, they are the ones who feel it the most,” Mr Chebukati said.

“What I wish for and my vision, is for this to be the last election in Kenya where we have to face the same problems,” Chebukati added.