Reuben Kigame, the leader of the Jenga Mkenya Movement and Deputy Party Leader of the Justice & Freedom Party, has expressed his condolences following the death of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair Wafula Chebukati. In a heartfelt statement released on 21st February 2025, Kigame extended his deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Chebukati, praying that God would comfort them during this difficult time.
In his tribute, Kigame acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding Chebukati’s role in Kenya’s electoral journey, particularly during the 2022 elections. Despite differences, he confessed that he had prayed for Chebukati’s healing, as the former IEBC chair held many answers to unresolved issues concerning the election process and ongoing court cases. One such case, filed by Chebukati against Kigame’s participation in the 2022 presidential election, remains pending in the Court of Appeal.
"I wish he was alive to tell Kenyans what he knows about the deaths of Mr. Christopher Msando and Mr. Daniel Mbolu Musyoka," Kigame said, referring to the tragic deaths of the IEBC's IT manager and the returning officer for Embakasi East Constituency, which have remained subjects of public speculation.
Reflecting on their interactions, Kigame recalled a conversation with Chebukati in June 2022, when the former IEBC chair expressed a desire to include him in the presidential ballot but explained that his hands were tied. "It would have been nice for him to be alive to tell Kenyans what he meant by that statement," Kigame added.
Kigame recognized that Chebukati’s tenure at the IEBC was a challenging and emotive one, especially considering the critical decisions he had to make during Kenya’s most recent elections. "An election is an onerous task, and it takes only the bravest of us to be 'the man in the arena' as the referee," Kigame said, quoting Theodore Roosevelt. He acknowledged that Chebukati’s decision to disqualify him from the 2022 race was a source of deep disappointment, but emphasized that he did not take it personally. Instead, he viewed the decision as an opportunity to learn valuable lessons that would continue to shape his understanding of electoral justice and resilience.
In closing, Kigame reflected on the importance of building stronger institutions that uphold democracy with integrity. "His death teaches us that life is short, and we must remain committed to ensuring that the challenges of the past guide us toward a more transparent and just future," he said.
The tribute also underscored the solemn reality that the passing of an electoral commission agent is a poignant reminder for nations to safeguard democracy. "For they depart to the land beyond the skies carrying dossiers on the management of elections, whether free or unfree, fair or unfair, credible or terrible," Kigame stated.
Concluding his message, Kigame quoted scripture, urging Kenyans to mourn with those who mourn and to reflect on their own mortality. "We may not have agreed on many things, yet I mourn him and ask God to help us all to revisit our mortality and ensure that we are right with Him," he said.
Kigame ended his tribute by wishing Chebukati’s soul eternal peace, as the nation continues to reflect on the legacy left by the late former IEBC Chair.
May his soul rest in peace.
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