Former IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati is Dead.
The former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, has passed away at the age of 64, his family has confirmed. His death was reported following exclusive coverage by The Star last week, which indicated that he was critically ill.
Chebukati had been admitted to a hospital in Nairobi, where he had been receiving medical care for nearly a week. He passed away at 11 pm on Thursday while undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The nature of his ailment remains undisclosed.
Chebukati had an extensive legal career, accumulating 37 years of experience in the field. He established his own law firm, which he ran as a sole proprietorship for two decades.
In 2006, he co-founded Cootow & Associate Advocates, a Nairobi-based law firm, which he resigned from on January 17, 2017, prior to assuming the role of IEBC chairperson. His expertise covered corporate law, commercial law, corporate governance, and dispute resolution.
Additionally, Chebukati had a political background and was a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party before resigning from it to apply for the IEBC chair position. In 2007, he contested the Saboti Constituency parliamentary seat, finishing as the runner-up.
Chebukati was appointed as the chairperson of the IEBC in January 2017 and served a full six-year term until his retirement in January 2023. During his tenure, he supervised three significant Kenyan elections: the 2017 general election, the October 2017 repeat presidential election, and the 2022 general election. His leadership in these elections was marked by controversy and resilience, as he played a central role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Personal Life and Achievements
Born on December 22, 1961, Chebukati pursued his education at Lenana High School before earning a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi.
He further completed a postgraduate diploma at the Kenya School of Law (KSL) and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
He was also affiliated with professional organizations, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Institute of Certified Secretaries, and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).
Chebukati was married to Mary Chebukati, whom he wed in 1990. The couple had three children—two sons and a daughter. Despite his prominence, he kept his family life largely private.
Mary Chebukati was appointed Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) in 2023, succeeding Jane Kiringai.
Beyond his professional career, Chebukati was passionate about golf. He served as captain and chairman of both the Nyali and Mombasa Golf Clubs and was a member of the Kenya Golfing Society.
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National Recognition and Tributes
President William Ruto has expressed his condolences, mourning the loss of the former IEBC chair. Ruto described Chebukati as a principled and diligent leader who served the country with integrity.
He acknowledged that his passing was a great loss to the nation and extended his thoughts and prayers to Chebukati’s family and friends.
In recognition of his service, Chebukati was honored with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) award by President Ruto. The EGH is Kenya’s second-highest national honor, following the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH).
His contributions to governance, law, and the electoral process remain part of his enduring legacy.
Former IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati is Dead
