Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati
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Security has been heightened in Trans Nzoia County to prevent potential disruptions in advance of the burial of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati.
County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi announced the increased security measures on Thursday, March 6, emphasizing that law enforcement will be vigilant against any attempts to politicize the event. Oyagi says that gatherings with political motives would not be tolerated, and any form of disruptive behavior would be suppressed.
"We are not going to condone any form of hooliganism…where politicians are taking advantage of funerals to flex their political muscles," he said, adding that attendees should not wear political party regalia.
These directives follow reports circulating on social media alleging potential disturbances orchestrated by hired individuals at the behest of unnamed politicians. Oyagi reaffirms that the burial should be a solemn occasion, free from political displays. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, speaking on Wednesday, March 5, echoed the call for unity and respect during the burial.
Natembeya cautions against turning the event into a platform for political maneuvering. Without providing specifics, he alluded to concerns about National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula potentially inciting division in Western Kenya during the proceedings.
"Reports are going viral that there will be chaos when Chebukati is buried," Natembeya stated.
He added that Wetangula's presence would be assessed based on whether he attends in his capacity as Speaker of the National Assembly, in which case he would be respected, or as a Ford Kenya party leader, which would elicit a different response.
The body of Chebukati arrived at Kitale airstrip on Thursday evening, ahead of his scheduled burial this Saturday, March 8, at his Sabata farm in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County. Friends, family members, and local politicians were present to receive the body. Kenya Kwanza Member of Parliament Ferdinand Wanyonyi has urged Kenyans to attend the burial in large numbers to pay their respects to Chebukati.
Wanyonyi also cautions attendees to refrain from engaging in political discussions out of respect for the family. He emphasizes that Chebukati was a civil servant and not a politician, and that political discourse should be reserved for the 2027 election cycle. Family spokesperson Eric Nyongesa revealed that Chebukati had been battling brain cancer, which was diagnosed in April 2023, shortly after he left office.
Following the diagnosis, Chebukati was flown to Germany, where he underwent successful surgery to remove a tumor. According to Nyongesa, doctors recommended immediate surgery due to the cancer's stage. Chebukati spent time recovering in Germany before returning to the country in July 2023. From then until early 2024, he participated in various electoral forums abroad.