The Tragic Tale Of Chebukati: Kenyan Gen Zs Have No Respect For The Wicked Dead, It Is Merry For Them

In African wisdom, a proverb states, “A man who uses his wealth to wrong others will come to the grave with nothing but the weight of his sins.” This adage resonates profoundly in the wake of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati’s death, as the nation’s youth take to the streets—both physical and virtual—not in mourning, but in celebration.

Chebukati’s tenure was marred by controversy, notably the 2022 general election, which many regard as one of the most poorly managed in Kenya’s history. The election was fraught with allegations of irregularities, leading to widespread public distrust. The youth, in particular, felt disenfranchised, viewing the electoral process as a charade that undermined their democratic voice. In their eyes, Chebukati symbolized the systemic corruption and incompetence that have long plagued the nation’s institutions.

The jubilant reactions to his passing may seem jarring to some, but they underscore a generational shift in attitudes toward leadership and accountability. The modern youth, armed with information and platforms for expression, refuse to honor those they perceive as oppressors, even in death. Their celebrations are not of the man’s demise but of the end of an era they hope to consign to history.

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One might say that Chebukati’s legacy has achieved the rare feat of uniting a divided nation—albeit in shared disdain. His death serves as a stark reminder that titles and power are fleeting, and that one’s actions carve the true epitaph. As another African proverb warns, “When the mouse laughs at the cat, there is a hole nearby.” The youth’s mockery signals their readiness to challenge and evade the traps of corrupt leadership.

This phenomenon should serve as a wake-up call to the political class. In life, leaders may wield power and command fear, but in death, they face the unvarnished judgment of posterity. The disdain shown toward Chebukati in death reflects a broader societal demand for integrity and honor in public service. Leaders are reminded that their legacies are not built on the accumulation of power or wealth, but on the impact of their actions on the populace.

The youth’s reaction also highlights a cultural evolution regarding death and remembrance. Traditionally, death was a solemn passage, warranting respect regardless of one’s deeds. However, the sanctity of death no longer shields the corrupt from posthumous accountability. As the proverb goes, “The evil that men do lives after them.” In this digital age, misdeeds are etched permanently in the collective memory, and death does not erase the demand for justice.

The celebrations following Chebukati’s death are emblematic of a society weary of corruption and eager for genuine change. They serve as a potent reminder to current and future leaders that the path to a revered legacy is paved with integrity, transparency, and service to the people. Failing this, they risk not only their reputations but also the scorn of generations to come.

As the nation reflects on this moment, let it be a catalyst for cultivating leadership that embodies the virtues the youth now demand. For in the end, it is not the monuments or titles that endure, but the respect and gratitude of a people well served.

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