The family of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman, Wafula Chebukati, bears the brunt of his absence as the country approaches a highly contested election.
Mary Chebukati, the IEBC chair’s wife, noted during her mother’s burial on Saturday, July 16, that his family sees him on TV more than they interact with him.
She went on to say that her husband was more concerned with following the law and asked Kenyans to pray for him as election day approached.
“Please pray for our family, especially during this electioneering period. All I know is my husband wants to follow the law.”
“Most times we see him on TV even more than we see him physically because of his work but I’m thankful he is here today,” she said.
She stated that their family was very worried during the last election, but this year they are much stronger.
“Our children were deeply affected by the last elections exercise but now they are strong, so is Chebukati. We always pray for God’s wisdom to guide him as he serves the nation,” she added.
This comes as the political blame game heats up, with the Azimio la Umoja team, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, claiming that Ford-Kenya leader Moses Wetangula had a hand in selecting the company tasked with printing the ballot papers. Wetangula has since denied the allegations.
Kenya Kwanza, led by Deputy President William Ruto, on the other hand, claimed that there was a plot to rig his election after claiming that some voters were transferred against their will.
Chebukati, on the other hand, maintained that the IEBC is not accountable to anyone and is run as an independent entity.
On January 18, 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Chebukati as the new chairman of the Electoral Commission, succeeding Issack Hassan.
