Wafula Chebukati the former Chairperson of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has died in Nairobi at the age of 63 his family confirmed that he has been battling with the illness for along period of time.
The news of his passing marks the end of a career that was deeply intertwined with Kenya’s high-stakes elections, political storms, and fierce debates over democracy and electoral integrity.
His tenure at IEBC was defined by bold decisions, national disputes, and a commitment to upholding Kenya’s electoral system in the face of immense pressure.
Born in 1962, Wafula Chebukati was a distinguished lawyer and public servant who rose to prominence when he was appointed as IEBC Chair in 2017.
His leadership of the electoral body coincided with one of the most turbulent political periods in Kenya’s history, overseeing elections that were challenged, nullified, and at times, marred by violence and accusations of electoral fraud.
His defining moment came during the 2017 presidential election, when the Supreme Court made an unprecedented decision to nullify the results, citing irregularities.
Under immense scrutiny Chebukati steered the country through a controversial rerun, earning both praise and criticism for his handling of the situation.
In 2022, he once again found himself at the center of Kenya’s democracy when he announced William Ruto as the winner of a tightly contested election despite open defiance from some of his commissioners.
His public declaration amid a split within his own commission cemented his reputation as a man willing to stand by his decisions regardless of the consequences.
His era was characterised by internal conflicts within the commission with some commissioners openly opposing his leadership, allegations of interference, attempts to sway results, and a near physical altercation at Bomas of Kenya, he faced verbal assaults, threats and accusations from different political factions.
Opposition accused him of favoring certain political interests, while his supporters hailed him as a firm defender of electoral justice.
Beyond the political storms, Chebukati was a family man, a legal expert, and a quiet but firm leader. His career in law spanned decades with a specialization in corporate governance.
Those close to him describe him as reserved yet resolute, someone who rarely bowed to pressure but was deeply affected by the weight of his responsibilities.
As news of his death spread, tributes and debates flooded social media with President William Ruto calling him “a patriot who stood for democracy even when it was difficult.”
As Kenya mourns the passing of one of its most consequential electoral official, Chebukati’s death marks the end of an era but his legacy will continue to shape conversations about elections, democracy, and leadership in Kenya for years to come.
