Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati had two brain surgeries before suffering a cardiac arrest, his family has revealed.
The family of Chebukati has confirmed that he succumbed to complications arising from stage 4 brain cancer, Glioblastoma.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Lawyer and family spokesperson Eric Nyongesa Wafula revealed that Chebukati was first diagnosed with the aggressive brain cancer in April 2023.
He underwent immediate brain surgery in Germany to remove a tumor and was discharged in July 2023. Following his recovery, he resumed his public duties and even took up golfing again at the Karen Country Club.
However, in April 2024, the tumor recurred, prompting a second trip to Germany for another successful operation in August 2024.
Despite his resilience, the disease resurfaced in December 2024, leading to another hospitalization between mid-December and early January 2025.
On February 12, Chebukati was admitted to Nairobi Hospital during a routine bi-monthly check-up due to chest complications. His condition worsened, and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on February 15.
Tragically, he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away late in the night. His family was informed at 11:35 PM, and doctors’ attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
During the press briefing, The Chebukati family dismissed specualtion of presence of other children and president was firstborn son Jonathan Chebukati, daughter Rachael Chebukati, and last-born son Emmanuel Chebukati.
The family expressed frustration over widespread speculation regarding his health and death, distancing themselves from individuals providing unverified information to the press.
They firmly denied claims that he was ever clinically dead at any point before his passing.
The family also announced that they are considering conducting a post-mortem examination, which is expected to take place on either February 24 or February 25, 2025.
Chebukati will be laid to rest at his Sabata farm in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, on March 8, 2025. A requiem mass in his honor will be held at the Church of God on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
