Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, is dead.
News of his death broke Friday morning following days of speculations among Kenyans.
Chebukati, 63, left IEBC on January 17, 2023 after completing his tenure at an electoral body that has been marred by controversies in past elections.
He was appointed to the position on a six-year tenure in January 2017 by the retired President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta.
He died at a hospital in Nairobi.
Who Was Chebukati?
Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati was a Kenyan lawyer, born in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya.
He completed his education at St. Peter’s Primary School in Mumias, Bokoli Secondary School, and Lenana High School, before earning a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Nairobi in 1985.
He furthered his legal training at the Kenya School of Law and was admitted to the bar in 1986. Additionally, he holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Chebukati had a legal career spanning over three decades, specializing in areas such as litigation, dispute resolution, corporate law, maritime law, and labor law. He founded Cootow & Associates Advocates, a Nairobi-based law firm, in 2006, where he worked until stepping down in 2017 to assume his role at the IEBC.
Also Read: Chebukati, an epitome of integrity, says Ruto
Appointed by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, he succeeded Ahmed Issack Hassan and became the first IEBC chairperson to complete a full six-year term, overseeing two highly contentious presidential elections in 2017 and 2022.
The 2017 election was annulled by Kenya’s Supreme Court due to irregularities, while the 2022 election, where he declared William Ruto the winner, sparked controversy and legal challenges from opposition leader Raila Odinga, though the results were upheld.
Beyond his professional life, Chebukati was known for his passion for golf, being a member of the Kenya Golfing Society and having served as captain and chairman of the Nyali and Mombasa golf clubs.
He leaves behind a wife, Mary Chebukati, and children, though he kept his family life private.
EGH Honorary
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) by President William Ruto, one of Kenya’s highest civilian honors.
