Ex-IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati Dies at 62 After Long Illness
Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati, former chairman of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), passed away on Thursday, February 20, at 11 PM. He died at a Nairobi hospital after battling a prolonged illness, his family confirmed.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 22, 1961, in Bungoma County, Chebukati earned a law degree from the University of Nairobi in 1985. He later pursued a Master’s in Business Administration at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Legal and Political Career
In 2006, he launched his law firm, Cootow & Associates Advocates. A year later, he entered politics, contesting the Saboti parliamentary seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) but lost.
IEBC Leadership and Electoral Controversies
Chebukati was appointed IEBC chairman in January 2017 by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. His tenure saw two major elections—2017 and 2022—both surrounded by controversy.
The 2017 presidential results were annulled by the Supreme Court due to irregularities, forcing a historic repeat election. Despite the turmoil, Chebukati led the commission through the fresh polls.
In the 2022 elections, he declared William Ruto as President-elect amid deep divisions within IEBC. Four commissioners rejected the results, sparking a public rift. The Supreme Court later upheld Ruto’s victory.
Tragic Events and Alleged Assassination Plot
Chebukati’s time at IEBC was also marked by the deaths of key officials, including Chris Msando in 2017 and Daniel Musyoka in 2022. In January 2023, President Ruto claimed there had been a plot to abduct and kill Chebukati during the elections to manipulate the outcome.
Retirement and Final Days
After retiring in January 2023, Chebukati was honored with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya’s second-highest civilian award. He then withdrew from public life, with reports indicating his health deteriorated before his passing.
Legacy and Tributes
President Ruto described Chebukati as a principled leader who upheld integrity in public service. His death is seen as a major loss for Kenya.
Chebukati leaves behind his wife, Mary Chebukati Wanyonyi—appointed Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation in 2023—and their children.
Ex-IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati Dies at 62 After Long Illness
