Nairobi News

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati’s son, Emmanuel Chebukati has congratulated his father after being awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) during the Jamhuri Day’s celebrations.

Chebukati was awarded in the Second Class category in recognition of his distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities by President William Ruto.

Emmanuel tweeted, “Today @WChebukatiwas awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), the highest civilian honour in Kenya. After 6 years at the helm of Kenya’s electoral body, his is a story of “blood, toil, tears, and sweat” to do the right thing at all costs. Well deserved, dad!”

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Today @WChebukati was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), the highest civilian honor in Kenya. After 6 years at the helm of Kenya's electoral body, his is a story of "blood, toil, tears, and sweat" to do the right thing at all costs. Well deserved, dad! 🥹 pic.twitter.com/ful52FlbE6

— Emmanuel Chebukati (@echebukati) December 12, 2022

Having succeeded former IEBC chair, Ahmed Hassan, Chebukati was appointed to the position on a six-year tenure in January 2017 by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta following his nomination in December 2016.

He would then oversee the 2022 general elections that were marked by a push and pull between him and four other commissioners; Juliana Cherera (Vice Chairperson), Irene Masit, Francis Wanderi and Justus Nyangaya after he planned on announcing Dr Ruto as the then President-Elect.

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The Cherera four were of a contrary opinion saying that the presidential results were opaque, with them disintegrating from the other commissioners at the eleventh hour.

Azimio la Umoja flagbearer Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua would then seek legal redress following the annunciation of the presidential results.

Though the Supreme Court judges led by Chief Justice Martha Koome affirmed Ruto’s victory, political leaders faulted Chebukati saying he had been compromised and declared that if the apex court in its judgement said that there would be a re-run then the latter would not oversee the elections.

During his inauguration, President Ruto recognised the commission for upholding integrity and accountability in Kenya’s elections.

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In his speech after being sworn into office, the Head of State hailed the electoral commission for what he termed as ‘stewarding a transparent and credible election, whose result faithfully reflected the democratic will of the Kenyan people.’

He went on to state that the Chebukati-led IEBC commission had raised the bar of integrity and set a new standard in public service and singled the IEBC boss saying he had resisted ‘bribery, intimidation and blackmail’ and chosen to do the right thing.

“It is appropriate to single out for special mention the chair of IEBC Wafula Chebukati for standing firm, resisting bribery, resisting intimidation and resisting blackmail and doing the right thing.”

Also Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye who ‘stood with’ Chebukati were also awarded.

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