Kenya’s election cycle has consistently acted as a trigger for division and hostility among different communities. Every election period deepens political tensions, creating long-term enmities that do not fade easily.
This was evident during the send-off ceremony of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati, where a noticeable political divide was displayed.During the funeral service, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya pointed out the absence of opposition leaders.
According to him, their failure to attend was linked to the conflicts that emerged during election seasons.
He explained that Chebukati’s official duties as an election referee had made him an enemy to certain political groups, particularly those that did not agree with the results he announced.
This observation underlined the deep-seated resentment that follows electoral processes in Kenya, with politicians and their supporters carrying forward grudges long after the elections are concluded.
President William Ruto led a group of political leaders to Sabata, Kiminini constituency, to pay their last respects. However, the absence of opposition figures highlighted how Kenya’s political environment remains poisoned by past election disputes.
Natembeya used this moment to emphasize the need for electoral reforms, stating that the IEBC should be restructured to prevent the growing disunity in the country.
He argued that the selection process for election officials must be fair and transparent to avoid future divisions. His remarks pointed to a larger problem, where electoral officials are often targeted based on the outcomes of the elections they oversee.
Natembeya further warned that as long as these issues remain unresolved, future IEBC commissioners will continue to face hostility from different political groups.
The perception that election officials serve partisan interests rather than acting as neutral arbiters continues to erode public confidence in the electoral system.
He stressed that Kenya must move away from this cycle of blaming election officials and instead focus on building a credible and trustworthy election body that serves all citizens fairly.
During his speech, Natembeya urged the nation to remember Chebukati not just for his role in elections but for his service to the country. He called for national unity and encouraged leaders to acknowledge the challenges of electoral management instead of using past events to justify divisions.
The governor’s remarks served as a reminder that unless electoral reforms are implemented, Kenya will continue to experience post-election animosity that prevents national healing.
Ultimately, the funeral of Chebukati turned into a reflection of Kenya’s political tensions. The absence of opposition leaders reinforced how election disputes do not end at the ballot box but extend into personal and political relationships.
The call for electoral reforms is urgent, as without them, the country risks deeper divisions in future elections.
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