Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati, the former chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), passed away on Thursday, February 20, at 11pm. He died at a Nairobi hospital after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his family.

Born on December 22, 1961, in Bungoma County, Chebukati pursued a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi in 1985. He furthered his education with a Masters in Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). 

In 2006, he founded the law firm Cootow & Associates Advocates, marking the beginning of his legal career.

Chebukati ventured into politics in 2007, contesting the Saboti parliamentary seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) but was unsuccessful. 

Former IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati during the launch of the 2022 Post-Election Evaluation Report on Monday, January 16, 2023.

Photo

IEBC

In January 2017, he was appointed as the chairman of the IEBC by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. His tenure was marked by challenges, including overseeing the 2017 and 2022 general elections. 

The 2017 presidential election results were annulled by the Supreme Court due to irregularities, leading to a repeat election. This was a historic moment, as it was the first time a presidential election had been overturned in Kenya. Despite the turmoil, Chebukati remained resolute, navigating the commission through the repeat polls.

In the 2022 elections, Chebukati declared William Ruto as the President-elect amidst internal divisions within the commission. Four commissioners disputed the results, leading to a public fallout. Despite the internal discord and external pressures, Chebukati stood by the announced results, which were later upheld by the Supreme Court.

His tenure was also marred by tragic events, including the deaths of IEBC officials Chris Msando in 2017 and Daniel Musyoka in 2022. These incidents cast a shadow over the electoral process, but Chebukati remained steadfast in his commitment to overseeing credible elections.

In January 2023, President Ruto alleged an attempt to abduct and murder Chebukati during the 2022 elections to subvert the will of the people. These claims pointed to the intense pressures and dangers faced by Chebukati during his tenure.

Upon his retirement in January 2023, Chebukati was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya’s second-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his service. He then retreated from public life, with reports indicating a decline in his health leading up to his passing.

President William Ruto mourned Chebukati's death, describing him as a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity. He noted that Chebukati's demise is a significant loss for the country.

Chebukati is survived by his wife, Mary Chebukati Wanyonyi, who was appointed Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation in 2023, and their children. 

Former IEBC Commissioner Wafula Chebukati briefing the media on election results at Bomas of Kenya on August 10, 2022.

Photo