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.
Comments (9)
Sir, I salute you! You had balls of steel and you came out unscathed. You deserve a medal and an honour in the books of history. You are the true HERO in this whole saga. May God grant you the peace you so rightly deserve. Hiyo kazi ata ningelipwa vipi singechukua. Kudos to you! Patia mke na watoto hongera - a rare species.
CHEBUKATI I now Understand your AGONY of DELIBERATELY "asking the Court to GRANT you the so-called 'Permission' to 'Edit' (instead of AUDIT) the PRESIDENTIAL Electipn Results." In thought your Were Crazy but noexI know it was Deliberate Hypocrisy.
For months you jaruos have been screaming ... CHILOBA MUST GO ... he went .. then when Chebukati refused to resign, he now becomes the enemy .. kai mwonaga ta twi ngondu atia njangiri ishi .. raila went on public telling him ati "be man enough and resign" .. he refused and now he becomes the enemy - kai jaruo chiambirie kugucia mbaki
You should have been brave enough to name the culprits. The buck stops with you that is why you were being paid the big bucks.Now it justs makes it harder fo the next person because this people or regime will not stop harassing intimidating or even murdering whomever does not co-operate.Elections are held every 5 years and this same people working in the shadows will not stop unless wamulikwe kama ni wezi wahuni au wauaji.Kenyans deserve a free and fair election. Sweeping it all under the carpet with the assumption that it is no longer your problem while puting on a brave face as the human punching bag does not help anybody even you as you will be blamed for not doing a better job.Think about your legacy or your kids future as they deserve better.
Thank you sir
Chebukati you are a dandahead, a disgrace to Bukusu community which is my backbone. You sold your soul for a penny like Judas Iscariot. You had options of running to any foreign Embassy for refugee if you felt unsafe yet you din’t. If I was your wife, I would divorce you. You are a coward, brainless limiku Jinga kabisa
I salute you Mr. Chebukati. You saved Kenya from going to the dogs. Kula kano. You are our hero
CHEBUKATI, YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THE HUMAN RACE.I SERIOUSLY WONDER ABOUT YOUR IQ.
Leave these NASA idiots alone, you are a true statesman. They have sold their souls and brains to baba, bure kabisa.