Former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati passes away at 63

Nairobi, Kenya – Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati, the former chairman of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has died at 63. He passed away on February 21, 2025, while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital. Chebukati had been critically ill for nearly a week prior to his death.

Born on December 22, 1961, in Bungoma County, Chebukati was a seasoned lawyer with a distinguished career in both law and public service. He held a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). Before his tenure at the IEBC, he founded the law firm Cootow & Associates Advocates in 2006.

Appointed as the IEBC chairman in January 2017 by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, Chebukati oversaw the 2017 and 2022 general elections. His tenure was marked by significant challenges, including the annulment of the 2017 presidential election results by the Supreme Court, leading to a rerun. Despite controversies, he completed his six-year term on January 17, 2023, becoming the first IEBC chairperson to do so.

Chebukati is survived by his wife, Mary Wanyonyi, who serves as the Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), a position she was appointed to in June 2023.

Details regarding his illness and the exact cause of death have not been publicly disclosed. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.

Chebukati’s Legacy at the IEBC

Chebukati’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in Kenya’s electoral history. During the 2022 presidential election, Chebukati found himself at the center of intense political controversy. As the head of the IEBC, he was responsible for overseeing the election that saw William Ruto declared the winner against Raila Odinga.

However, the results were heavily contested, with Odinga and his supporters alleging electoral fraud and irregularities. The situation escalated when four out of the seven IEBC commissioners disowned the final results, citing lack of transparency in the tallying process.

Chebukati, however, maintained that the election was conducted fairly and stood by the results, a decision that led to threats, legal battles, and heightened political tensions in the country.

The Supreme Court eventually upheld Ruto’s victory, but the disputed election further divided public opinion on Chebukati’s legacy as an election official.

As the nation mourns his passing, tributes from political leaders, colleagues, and citizens continue to pour in, reflecting on his contributions to Kenya’s democracy or the lack of it.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.