On Thursday night, February 20, 2025, Wafula Chebukati, the former chief of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), who presided over two of the most controversial elections in the nation, passed away while receiving medical attention.
Until his passing away, he was 63
Known for his unwavering dedication to maintaining the IEBC’s constitutional mission in the face of political upheaval, Chebukati leaves left a nuanced legacy that goes beyond Kenyan voting booths.
Five fascinating facets of his life and work are listed below.
Legal knowledge
Chebukati was an accomplished attorney with a wealth of knowledge in business and corporate law.
He established Cootow & Associates Advocates, a legal practice where he focused on governance, environmental law, and legal compliance, prior to joining the IEBC.
His meticulous approach to leadership and decision-making at the IEBC was influenced by his legal experience.
Academic background
Chebukati’s dual expertise in law and business enabled him to navigate the complexities of electoral governance while keeping an eye on institutional integrity.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
An avid sports fan
Outside of politics and the law, Chebukati loves to play golf.
He has demonstrated his involvement in sports leadership by serving as the Captain of Muthaiga Golf Club and actively competing in Kenyan golf tournaments.
He was well-known among friends and coworkers for promoting sports as a social unifier and as the previous captain of the esteemed Muthaiga Golf Club.
He frequently sought comfort in golf as a haven from the demands of public duty.
Controversial elections
As IEBC Chair, Chebukati supervised the 2017 and 2022 Kenyan general elections, both marked by violent political conflicts.
For the first time in Kenyan history, the Supreme Court declared the presidential results invalid in 2017, which led to a rerun.
Chebukati presided over the rerun election, which was marred by public outcry and boycotts by the opposition.
He declared William Ruto the winner of the 2022 presidential election amid internal IEBC strife, with four commissioners publicly rejecting the outcome.
Chebukati maintained on following constitutional deadlines in the face of tremendous pressure, a choice that was praised and criticized.
Chebukati’s capacity to function well under extreme circumstances was demonstrated by his determination to declare Ruto the president-elect.
Reforms to the electoral process
Chebukati continuously advocated for election reforms to fortify Kenya’s democratic procedures in spite of criticism.
He was an outspoken supporter of changes meant to fortify the nation’s voting system.
He regularly brought attention to the IEBC’s problems, which range from a lack of financing to political meddling.
In order to protect Kenya’s democracy, his post-IEBC remarks emphasized the necessity of long-term institutional independence.
With Chebukati’s passing, a chapter in Kenya’s electoral history comes to an end.
He will be regarded by some as a virtuous champion of constitutionalism and by others as a divisive character in a polarized political environment.
Whatever one’s point of view, Wafula Chebukati has had an indisputable impact on Kenya’s democratic development.
