Former IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati dies at 64 years, family confirms
Former IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati dies at 64 years. Family confirms. Friday 21 2024
Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati has passed away at the age of 64, his family has confirmed. Chebukati, who served as the IEBC Chair from 2017 to 2023, breathed his last after a prolonged illness.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 22, 1961, in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, Chebukati was a member of the Luhya community and spent much of his early life in Bungoma County. His education journey saw him attend St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School, Bokoli Secondary School, and later Lenana High School in Nairobi. He pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1985. In 1986, he was admitted to the roll of advocates after completing his studies at the Kenya School of Law.
Furthering his academic credentials, Chebukati earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), solidifying his expertise in governance and legal affairs.
Legal and Political Career
Chebukati built an illustrious legal career spanning over three decades. Specializing in international commerce, corporate law, governance, and dispute resolution, he founded Cootow & Associates Advocates in 2006 after running a sole proprietorship law firm for 20 years. His firm gained prominence in Kenya’s legal space before he stepped down in 2017 to take up the IEBC chairmanship.
His political career was brief but significant. In 2007, he vied for the Saboti parliamentary seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party but lost to Eugene Wamalwa. Following his defeat, Chebukati distanced himself from politics, resigning from ODM and declaring no future interest in elective positions.
Tenure as IEBC Chairman
Chebukati was appointed IEBC Chairman in January 2017 by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. His leadership at the electoral commission was marked by controversy, resilience, and historic milestones.
2017 General Elections
Chebukati oversaw the highly contentious 2017 elections, in which Uhuru Kenyatta was initially declared the winner over Raila Odinga. However, the Supreme Court annulled the results due to irregularities, a landmark ruling that led to a repeat election in October 2017. Raila Odinga boycotted the fresh polls, paving the way for Kenyatta’s re-election.
The period was marred by internal IEBC divisions, including the resignation of Commissioner Roselyn Akombe and the eventual exit of CEO Ezra Chiloba. Opposition-led protests further complicated the electoral process.
2022 General Elections
Chebukati again played a crucial role in the 2022 elections, declaring William Ruto as the winner with 50.49 percent of the vote against Odinga’s 48.85 percent . His declaration faced resistance from four dissenting IEBC commissioners, famously known as the “Cherera Four,” who disputed the results. However, the Supreme Court upheld Ruto’s victory, cementing Chebukati’s legacy as a pivotal figure in Kenya’s electoral history.
His handling of the elections earned him both praise and criticism. Ruto’s allies hailed him as a defender of democracy, while Odinga’s camp accused him of electoral malpractice.
Recognition and Controversies
In 2023, President Ruto honored Chebukati with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya’s second-highest civilian award, for his service to the nation. However, throughout his tenure, Chebukati faced allegations of bias and corruption, including a 2017 claim involving his law firm, which Parliament later dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Personal Life and Interests
Chebukati maintained a private family life. He was married to Mary Chebukati, who was appointed Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) in 2023. He was also an avid golfer, serving as chairman and captain of both Nyali and Mombasa Golf Clubs and remaining active in Kenya’s golfing circles.
Final Days
Since retiring in January 2023, Chebukati largely stayed away from the public eye. Reports in early 2025 indicated he was critically ill and admitted to a Nairobi hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
