Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati, former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) boss, who oversaw the annulled 2017 presidential election and the highly divisive 2022 general elections which divided the electoral commission into two factions has died.
Chebukati completed his six-year tenure at the helm of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on January 17, 2023.
His term as the IEBC Chairman began in January 2017 following the removal of Ahmed Issack Hassan and his fellow commissioners.
The low-profile lawyer took office at a politically charged time, with opposition leader Raila Odinga facing off against President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was seeking re-election.
Taking office just under seven months before the election, Mr Chebukati and his team were tasked with delivering one of Kenya’s most competitive elections.
Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati was a Kenyan lawyer and the former chairman of the (IEBC), responsible for overseeing elections in Kenya.
Born in 1961 in Bungoma County, he pursued a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1985.
He later obtained a Master of Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Early Life and Education:
Wafula Chebukati was born on December 22, 1961, in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, making him a member of the Luhya community.
He spent much of his life in Bungoma County.
His educational journey began at St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School, followed by Bokoli Secondary School, and he completed his secondary education at Lenana High School in Nairobi.
Chebukati pursued higher education at the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1985. He then attended the Kenya School of Law and was admitted to the roll of advocates in 1986.
Later, he enhanced his credentials with a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Legal Career
Chebukati built a robust legal career spanning over three decades. He specialized in areas such as international commerce, trade and investment law, corporate law, governance, environmental law, litigation, dispute resolution, maritime law, and labour laws.
For 20 years, he ran a sole proprietorship law firm before founding Cootow & Associates Advocates in Nairobi in 2006.
He served as the managing partner of this firm until January 2017, when he stepped down to assume his role at IEBC, adhering to legal requirements to avoid conflicts of interest.
Political Involvement
Before his IEBC tenure, Chebukati briefly ventured into politics. In the 2007 general elections, he contested the Saboti parliamentary seat in Trans Nzoia County under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, led by Raila Odinga.
He lost to Eugene Wamalwa of the Party of National Unity (PNU) and subsequently distanced himself from active poli
Political Involvement
Before his IEBC tenure, Chebukati briefly ventured into politics. In the 2007 general elections, he contested the Saboti parliamentary seat in Trans Nzoia County under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, led by Raila Odinga.
He lost to Eugene Wamalwa of the Party of National Unity (PNU). Subsequently, he distanced himself from active politics, resigning his ODM membership and declaring no future interest in elective positions.
Tenure as IEBC Chairman
Chebukati was appointed IEBC Chairman by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2017, succeeding Ahmed Issack Hassan.
His six-year term, which began on January 20, 2017, and ended on January 17, 2023, made him the first IEBC chairperson to complete a full constitutional term. His tenure was marked by significant electoral events and controversies:
2017 General Elections: Chebukati oversaw the August 2017 elections, which resulted in Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory over Raila Odinga.
The Supreme Court annulled the presidential election due to irregularities, leading to a repeat election in October 2017, which Kenyatta won after Odinga boycotted it.
The period was tumultuous, with internal IEBC divisions, Commissioner Roselyn Akombe’s resignation, and CEO Ezra Chiloba’s exit amid opposition protests.
2022 General Elections: Chebukati chaired the August 2022 elections, declaring William Ruto the winner with 50.49% of the vote against Odinga’s 48.85%. Four IEBC commissioners (the “Cherera Four”) publicly rejected the results, alleging discrepancies, but the Supreme Court upheld Ruto’s victory.
This election further polarized opinions about Chebukati, with Ruto’s supporters praising him as a hero of democracy, while Odinga’s camp accused him of rigging.
Recognition and Criticism
In 2023, President Ruto awarded Chebukati the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya’s second-highest civilian honour, for his service.
However, he faced allegations of bias and corruption, including a 2017 claim of conflict of interest involving his law firm, which Parliament dismissed for lack of evidence.
Personal Life
Chebukati is married to Mary Chebukati, and they have children, though he keeps his family life private.
Mary was appointed Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) in 2023, succeeding Jane Kiringai.
Chebukati is an avid golfer, serving as captain and chairman of the Nyali and Mombasa Golf Clubs and a member of the Kenya Golfing Society.
Post-IEBC Developments
Since retiring in January 2023, Chebukati has largely stayed out of the public eye.
Reports in February 2025 suggested he was critically ill and admitted to a Nairobi hospital’s ICU, though no official confirmation has substantiated these claims as of this date.
