In a somber announcement, the family of Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati, the former Chairperson of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has confirmed his passing. Chebukati, aged 64, died at 11 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital. He had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for nearly a week, though the specific ailment remains undisclosed.
A Distinguished Career in Law and Public Service
Born on December 22, 1961, in Bungoma County, Kenya, Chebukati’s early life was marked by a commitment to education and service. He attended St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School and Lenana High School in Nairobi. Pursuing higher education, he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Nairobi in 1985 and later a Master’s in Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Chebukati’s professional journey spanned 37 years in the legal field. He established Cootow & Associates Advocates in 2006, a Nairobi-based law firm he led until his resignation on January 17, 2017, prior to assuming the role of IEBC Chairperson. His areas of expertise included corporate law, commercial law, corporate governance, and dispute resolution.
Political Endeavors and Leadership at IEBC
In 2007, Chebukati ventured into politics, contesting the Saboti Constituency parliamentary seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Despite a spirited campaign, he was defeated by Eugene Wamalwa of the Party of National Unity (PNU). Subsequently, he distanced himself from active politics, resigning from ODM and focusing on public service.
His commitment to national service culminated in his appointment as the IEBC Chairperson in January 2017 by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. During his six-year tenure, Chebukati oversaw the 2017 and 2022 General Elections. Notably, he presided over the 2017 Kenyan general election, the October 2017 repeat presidential election, and the 2022 Kenyan general election. His leadership was both lauded and criticized, especially during the contentious 2017 elections, which were nullified by the Supreme Court, leading to a repeat poll.
Challenges and Controversies
Chebukati’s tenure was not without challenges. The 2022 General Election was particularly divisive, with internal disagreements within the IEBC coming to the fore. Four commissioners publicly disowned the presidential results announced by Chebukati, citing a lack of transparency. Despite the internal rift, he stood by the results, emphasizing his constitutional mandate as the National Returning Officer for the presidential election.
In January 2023, President William Ruto alleged an attempt to abduct and murder Chebukati during the 2022 elections to subvert the will of the people. These claims underscored the high-stakes environment in which the electoral body operated during his leadership.
Personal Life and Legacy
Beyond his professional commitments, Chebukati was a family man. He married Mary Chebukati in 1990, and together they had three children: Jonathan, Emmanuel, and Rachael. Mary Chebukati has also been a notable public servant, appointed as the Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) in 2023.
An avid golfer, Chebukati served as captain and chairman of both the Nyali and Mombasa Golf Clubs and was a member of the Kenya Golfing Society. His passion for the sport was well-known among his peers and the golfing community.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from various quarters. President William Ruto remarked, “BREAKING NEWS: Former Chair of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Wafula Chebukati, has passed away. May his soul rest in peace.” Many remembered him as a steadfast leader who navigated the complexities of Kenya’s electoral landscape with resilience. His tenure at the IEBC, marked by significant challenges, showcased his commitment to upholding the democratic process.
Funeral arrangements are underway, with the family requesting privacy during this difficult time. As the nation reflects on his contributions, Wafula Chebukati’s legacy as a pivotal figure in Kenya’s electoral hold a huge space in Kenya.
