The Curse Of Kenya’s Electoral Chiefs?- Kivuitu & Chebukati: Parallel Lives, Controversial Deaths, and the Shadows of Power!
Kenya’s election history has been shaped by key figures entrusted with overseeing major polls. Among them, the late Samuel Kivuitu and the late Wafula Chebukati stand out as two of the most influential electoral commission chairs.
Beyond managing elections, these two leaders had notable similarities in their careers and personal lives. In a striking coincidence, both passed away in February after battling illness.
This article highlights the key similarities between Kivuitu and Chebukati, their roles in Kenya’s elections, and the challenges they faced while leading the electoral body.
Retirement and Passing
Both Kivuitu and Chebukati withdrew from public life after their controversial tenures at the electoral commission.
Kivuitu was removed in 2008 after the 2007 election crisis led to the disbandment of the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK). He chose a quiet life, avoiding public engagements, interviews, or political commentary. His health deteriorated, and he passed away in 2013 after battling throat cancer.
Similarly, Chebukati retired in January 2023 after leading the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He focused on personal pursuits and family life. His health declined, leading to his passing in February 2025.
Legal Background
Both Kivuitu and Chebukati were trained lawyers, having studied at top East African universities.
- Samuel Kivuitu earned his Law degree (LLB) from the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and practiced law before joining politics and later, the ECK.
- Wafula Chebukati obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Nairobi and specialized in corporate and commercial law for over 30 years before becoming IEBC chair in 2017.
Controversial Elections
Both men oversaw Kenya’s most disputed elections, which shaped the country’s political landscape.
Samuel Kivuitu – 2007 Election & Post-Election Violence
Kivuitu led the 2007 General Election, a fiercely contested poll between Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga. He declared Kibaki the winner but later admitted uncertainty about the actual victor due to political pressure. The disputed results led to post-election violence, causing over 1,000 deaths and mass displacement. International mediation resulted in a Grand Coalition Government between Kibaki and Raila, brokered by Kofi Annan. The crisis led to the dissolution of the ECK and the creation of the IEBC.
Wafula Chebukati – 2017 Election & Supreme Court Ruling
Chebukati oversaw the 2017 General Election, where Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner against Raila Odinga. The results were challenged, and Kenya’s Supreme Court made history by nullifying the election due to irregularities. This was the first time in Africa that a presidential election was overturned by the courts. A repeat election was held, but Raila Odinga boycotted it, leading to political divisions.
In 2022, Chebukati again faced turmoil as four IEBC commissioners rejected the results, and his CEO, Ezra Chiloba, was suspended.
Political Ambitions
Both Kivuitu and Chebukati had political aspirations before leading Kenya’s electoral commission.
- Kivuitu was elected Parklands MP in 1969 under KANU, later transitioning to law and governance. His political background gave him electoral expertise but also made him vulnerable to political pressure.
- Chebukati ran for the Saboti parliamentary seat in 2007 under ODM but lost to Eugene Wamalwa. He then withdrew from politics and focused on law before becoming IEBC chair in 2017. Despite his ODM ties, his tenure saw clashes with the party, especially in the 2017 and 2022 elections.
Constitutional Amendment Efforts
Both leaders played key roles in major constitutional referendums.
Kivuitu and the 2005 Referendum
In 2005, Kivuitu led the ECK in overseeing a referendum on a new constitution. The proposed changes, supported by President Kibaki, were rejected by 58% of voters. This defeat led to the formation of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which later became a major political force. Unlike the 2007 elections, this referendum was widely accepted without disputes.
Chebukati and the 2021 BBI Process
In 2021, Chebukati’s IEBC verified signatures for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a constitutional amendment bill backed by Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga. Despite the validation of over one million signatures, the courts ruled BBI unconstitutional, halting the process.
Conclusion
Samuel Kivuitu and Wafula Chebukati played defining roles in Kenya’s electoral history. Both had legal backgrounds, political aspirations, and led the electoral body during highly controversial elections. Their careers were marked by challenges, and their decisions shaped Kenya’s democracy. In an uncanny parallel, both retired from public life and passed away in February after long illnesses.
The Curse Of Kenya’s Electoral Chiefs?- Kivuitu & Chebukati: Parallel Lives, Controversial Deaths, and the Shadows of Power!
