Nairobi, Kenya – February 22, 2025- Christopher Nyangwara Mosioma, popularly known as Embarambamba, the controversial gospel sensation from Kisii, has unleashed a new tribute song titled “Chebukati Song Message to Family” following the death of Wafula Chebukati, former chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Released days after Chebukati’s passing on February 20, 2025, the song—and its accompanying video—has tongues wagging, with the artist donning a red suit and yellow polka-dotted shoes while hurling himself to the floor in a frenetic display of dance and devotion.
A Red-Suited Homage to Chebukati’s Legacy
Filmed inside a house, the video for “Chebukati Song Message to Family” captures Embarambamba in peak form.
Clad in a striking red suit paired with yellow shoes speckled with black dots, he belts out lyrics praising Chebukati’s unyielding resolve: “Wafula Chebukati, ulisimama imara / Uhuru akawa Rais, Ruto akafuata” (Wafula Chebukati, you stood firm / Uhuru became President, Ruto followed).
Between verses, he throws himself to the floor, rolling and spinning in a chaotic dance that’s become his trademark—a spectacle he insists conveys a message of resilience to Chebukati’s grieving family.
“This is for Chebukati’s wife, his children—stand strong like he did,” Embarambamba declared on X, framing the song as both a tribute and a condolence.
Yet, the video’s flamboyance has split opinions. Some viewers see it as a heartfelt gesture to honor a polarizing figure; others decry it as a tasteless stunt unfit for mourning.
“He’s turned a funeral into a circus again,” one critic posted online, echoing familiar critiques of his eccentric style.
Wafula Chebukati’s Death: A Loss Felt Across Kenya
Wafula Chebukati passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11 p.m. at Nairobi Hospital, where he had been in the Intensive Care Unit for nearly a week.
The 63-year-old’s cause of death remains undisclosed by his family, though speculation of a prolonged illness persists.
President William Ruto mourned him as “a dedicated servant of democracy,” while the IEBC hailed his six-year tenure, which ended in January 2023, as a cornerstone of Kenya’s electoral history.
Kenyan Leaders Unite in Mourning Former IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati
President William Ruto was among the first to mourn Chebukati, describing his death as “a great loss to our country.” In a statement shared on X, Ruto praised Chebukati as “a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity.”
He added, “I have received the news of the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Wafula Chebukati with profound sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace.”
Ruto, whom Chebukati declared president-elect in 2022 amidst controversy, highlighted his role in upholding electoral processes.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who appointed Chebukati to the IEBC in January 2017, also expressed his condolences via a message from the Office of the 4th President of Kenya on X.
He lauded Chebukati’s pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s electoral landscape, stating, “He navigated intricate challenges with remarkable resilience.”
Kenyatta’s tribute reflects their shared history, particularly Chebukati’s management of the 2017 election, which saw an unprecedented Supreme Court annulment followed by a repeat poll.
Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga extended heartfelt condolences to Chebukati’s family, acknowledging the personal loss behind the public figure.
“Times like these are never easy, and no amount of words can fill the void left,” Raila said in a statement.
“My thoughts are with the entire family, the widow Mama Mary, sons Jonathan and Emmanuel, at this difficult time.” Despite past tensions, notably during the 2017 repeat election boycott and 2022 election disputes, Raila’s message emphasized empathy over politics, noting the loss of “a son, father, husband, and breadwinner.”
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki remembered Chebukati as “a patriot and consummate lawyer” whose courage steadied Kenya during the heated 2022 election.
“He will be remembered for his courageous, stoic, and emotionless posture while steering Kenya’s general elections,” Kindiki said.
He underscored Chebukati’s professionalism in declaring Ruto’s victory, even as four commissioners dissented, adding, “He boldly helped calm the country in the heat of the moment.”
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula mourned Chebukati as a leader of “remarkable courage, fidelity to the Constitution, and unwavering commitment to justice.”
In a detailed tribute, he noted, “Even in the face of immense challenges, he remained resolute, guided by his oath of office and the principles of fairness and transparency.”
Wetang’ula called his death a significant loss to the legal fraternity and electoral governance, reflecting Chebukati’s roots as a seasoned lawyer.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi offered a lengthy tribute, describing Chebukati as “a man of resilience and wisdom” who dedicated his life to upholding democracy.
“I will always remember him as a man who navigated challenging moments with courage, fairness, and an unshakable commitment to transparency,” Mudavadi said.
He extended condolences to Chebukati’s loved ones, emphasizing his legacy as an inspiration for justice and leadership.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen hailed Chebukati as “a true patriot” who exemplified fidelity to the Constitution. “He professionally steered the IEBC through two elections,” Murkomen said, adding, “He will be remembered for his principled leadership and courage.”
His words echo the sentiment of many in Ruto’s administration, who credit Chebukati with ensuring stability in 2022.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale mourned Chebukati’s passing, noting that his journey was “marked by courage, firmness, fidelity to the law, steadfastness, and a commitment to the democratic process.”
Duale’s tribute underscores Chebukati’s resolve amid the chaos of election cycles, particularly in 2022 when results were contested.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru praised Chebukati’s leadership as “instrumental in strengthening Kenya’s democratic processes and upholding the integrity of our electoral system.”
Her tribute reflects a view of Chebukati as a reformer whose tenure bolstered institutional credibility, despite controversies.
Narok County Governor Patrick Ntutu joined leaders in mourning, stating, “The contribution of Chebukati to Kenya’s electoral system, particularly during the challenging 2017 and 2022 elections, will be remembered in the nation’s history.”
Speaking at an event in Olposimoru, Ntutu offered prayers for Chebukati’s family and colleagues.
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka kept his message brief but poignant: “My thoughts and prayers are with Chebukati’s family during this moment of sorrow.” His condolence sidesteps past electoral rivalries, focusing on shared humanity in a time of loss.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti also mourned Chebukati, joining a chorus of county leaders like Nyeri MP Duncan Maina and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who expressed sorrow over his passing.
Their tributes, alongside those of national figures, highlight Chebukati’s broad impact.
Biography: From Lawyer to Electoral Anchor
Born December 22, 1961, Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati was a legal veteran before his IEBC role.
Armed with a law degree from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, he founded Cootow & Associates Advocates in 2006 after decades in practice.
Appointed IEBC chair in January 2017 by Uhuru Kenyatta, Chebukati faced monumental challenges: the 2017 election annulment, a repeat poll boycotted by Raila Odinga, and the 2022 election where he declared Ruto the winner amid dissent from four commissioners.
Awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) in 2022, he was married to Mary Chebukati, now chair of the Commission on Revenue Allocation.
Embarambamba’s Tribute Tradition
This isn’t Embarambamba’s first foray into memorializing Kenya’s icons. In 2020, he honored the late President Daniel arap Moi with a tribute song, rolling in mud to symbolize Moi’s earthy legacy.
In 2022, he mourned Mwai Kibaki with “Tufanyeje”, a dramatic ode to free education, complete with his signature theatrics.
Both efforts drew mixed reactions—praise for creativity, scorn for perceived disrespect.
The Kisii artist, a father of five, has built a career on defying norms.
His 2024 song “Niko Uchi” was yanked by the Kenya Film Classification Board for “obscene content,” and a 2022 performance during Uhuru Kenyatta’s Kisii visit led to a ban from government events.
Undeterred, he defends his antics as gospel-driven, telling TUKO.co.ke, “I dance for God—people see the fall, but I rise with a message.”
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