By Denis Elvis
Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati was a Kenyan lawyer and a one-time chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which oversees elections in Kenya. Wafula Chebukati was appointed to the position on a six-year tenure in January 2017 by the retired President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta. Following his appointment in 2017, He succeeded Ahmed Issack Hassan. He retired on 17 January 2023 following the end of his term. He led Kenya through their August 2022 General Elections, where Dr William Ruto was controversially declared president-elect. He then became critically ill from 2024 up until his death on 21 February 2025.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION:
Wafula Chebukati was born on December 22, 1961, in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. He belongs to the Luhya community and spent much of his life in Bungoma County.
His education began at St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School, then Bokoli Secondary School, and later Lenana High School in Nairobi, where he completed his secondary education. He pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1985. Afterwards, he attended the Kenya School of Law and was admitted to the role of advocate in 1986.
To further his expertise, Chebukati later earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
LEGAL CAREER
Chebukati built a strong legal career that spanned over 30 years, specializing in various fields, including international commerce, trade and investment law, corporate law, governance, environmental law, litigation, dispute resolution, maritime law, and labour law.
He ran his law firm as a sole proprietor for two decades before establishing Cootow & Associates Advocates in Nairobi in 2006, serving as the managing partner of the firm until January 2017, when he stepped down to take up his role at the IEBC, in line with legal requirements to prevent conflicts of interest.
POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT
Before joining the IEBC, Chebukati had a brief stint in politics. In the 2007 general elections, he vied for the Saboti parliamentary seat in Trans Nzoia County under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Raila Odinga.
However, he lost to Eugene Wamalwa of the Party of National Unity (PNU). After the defeat, he stepped away from active politics. Chebukati resigned from ODM and declared he had no further interest in seeking elective positions.
REIGN AS A CHAIRPERSON OF IEBC
Chebukati was appointed as the Chairman of the IEBC by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2017, taking over from Ahmed Issack Hassan.
His six-year term began on January 20, 2017, and ended on January 17, 2023, making him the first IEBC chairperson to complete a full constitutional term. His tenure saw some controversies and major electoral events.
In, the 2017 General Elections, he oversaw the August polls, where Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner against Raila Odinga. However, the Supreme Court annulled the presidential results due to irregularities, leading to a repeat election in October 2017. Kenyatta won after Odinga boycotted the process. The period was chaotic, with internal divisions within the IEBC for instance, Roselyn Akomb a commissioner then resigning from the IEBC and the eventual exit of CEO Ezra Chiloba amid opposition protests. The death of Chris Msando the acting ICT director at the IEBC in 2017, also raised concerns and sparked investigations. Msando's death remains a topic of debate and it cited betrayal in the commission.
In the 2022 General Elections, Chebukati chaired the polls and declared William Ruto the winner with 50.49% of the vote against Odinga’s 48.85%. However, four commissioners—dubbed the "Cherera Four"—publicly rejected the results, citing discrepancies. Despite the dispute, the Supreme Court upheld Ruto’s victory.
The election left the country divided over Chebukati’s legacy. Ruto’s supporters hailed him as a hero of democracy, while Odinga’s camp accused him of electoral fraud.
RECOGNITION AND CRITICISM
In 2023, President William Ruto conferred Wafula Chebukati with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya’s second-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his service as the IEBC Chair.
However, his tenure was not without controversy. He faced allegations of bias and corruption, including a 2017 claim of conflict of interest linked to his law firm. The accusations were, however, dismissed by Parliament due to insufficient evidence.
PERSONAL LIFE
Wafula Chebukati was married to Mary Chebukati, with whom he has children, though he maintains a private family life. In 2023, Mary was appointed Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), taking over from Jane Kiringai.
Beyond his legal and electoral career, Chebukati was a passionate golfer. He has served as both captain and chairman of the Nyali and Mombasa Golf Clubs and was also a member of the Kenya Golfing Society.
Since his retirement in January 2023, former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati maintained a low profile. However, recent reports in February 2025 suggest that he was critically ill and had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Nairobi hospital. Despite these claims, there has been no official confirmation regarding his condition as of this date.
The Head of State William Ruto's tribute said, “I have received the news of the passing of former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati with profound sorrow. He was a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity. His death is a great loss to our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest In Peace”.
The former president Uhuru Kenyatta's tribute read, “It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of Wafula Chebukati, former Chairman of IEBC. Throughout his time in office, he played a pivotal role in shaping our nation's electoral landscape, often navigating intricate challenges with remarkable resilience. My heart goes out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. May they find strength and solace in cherished memories”.
Wafula Chebukati's family spoke out and said they are yet to establish the cause of his death. Kenyans are also advised to give the family time to mourn and avoid speculating on the cause of his death.
Since he departed from office on 17 January 2023, the office of the chairperson of the Independent Electoral Boundaries and Commission (IEBC) has been vacant for two years. The president appointed a committee in the parliament to discuss the new chairperson of the IEBC.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Wafula Chebukati, a man of integrity who served Kenya with unwavering dedication. His legacy in safeguarding democracy will forever be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him. May they find strength in this difficult time, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
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