Former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati. Photo/Newsflash
By Georgina Mwikali
Wafula Chebukati, the former Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has passed away at the age of 63.
Chebukati died on Thursday, February 20, 2025, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital, just a week after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
His family confirmed the heartbreaking news, revealing that his condition had worsened after a few days of being treated at home.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Wafula Chebukati. He was receiving care at Nairobi Hospital after his condition deteriorated,” a family member told Newsflash.
Chebukati was a significant figure in Kenya’s electoral history, serving as the IEBC chairperson for six years before retiring in 2023. His leadership during two of Kenya’s most critical elections, in 2017 and 2022, placed him at the center of national and international attention.
Despite the controversies surrounding these elections, Chebukati was praised for his unwavering commitment to ensuring the electoral process remained fair, even in the face of immense pressure.
During the 2017 election, Chebukati oversaw the contentious contest between then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga. The 2022 General Election, which saw William Ruto elected president, was equally fraught with challenges, but Chebukati remained resolute in ensuring the results were credible.
Born on December 22, 1961, Chebukati had a rich educational background. He attended Lenana High School in Nairobi before earning a law degree from the University of Nairobi.
In addition to his legal qualifications, Chebukati also completed a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), equipping him with both legal and management expertise.
His death has sparked a wide range of reactions across Kenya. Dr Roselyn Akombe, a former IEBC commissioner, offered a tribute, stating, “Rest in peace, Mr. Chairman. Your service to this country will never be forgotten.”
However, Chebukati’s tenure was also marked by strong criticism from various political quarters. Some Kenyans have voiced dissatisfaction with his role in overseeing the election results, with one social media user commenting, “Chebukati sold Kenyans out.”
In a shocking revelation earlier in 2023, President William Ruto disclosed that there had been a plot to harm Chebukati amid the political tensions surrounding the announcement of the 2022 presidential results. “We were deeply concerned for his safety during the last elections,” the president said, acknowledging the immense pressure the IEBC chair faced.
Chebukati’s passing leaves behind a complex legacy. While he will be remembered for his contributions to Kenya’s democratic processes, his leadership also sparked debates about the transparency and fairness of the electoral system.
