Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has passed away at the age of 63 after an illness. His tenure as IEBC chair from 2017 to 2023 was marked by major electoral events, earning both praise and criticism.

Leading Kenya’s Elections

Chebukati was appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017, just months before the general election. The election results were later nullified by the Supreme Court due to irregularities, leading to a repeat election. Opposition leader Raila Odinga boycotted the fresh polls, and President Kenyatta secured victory.

In 2022, Chebukati announced William Ruto as President-elect, a decision that split the IEBC. Four commissioners rejected the results, causing a public dispute. The Supreme Court later upheld Ruto’s victory, affirming Chebukati’s role in the process.

Challenges and Investigations

His time at the IEBC was not without difficulties. He faced criticism over electoral management and security concerns following the killings of IEBC officials Chris Msando in 2017 and Daniel Musyoka in 2022. These incidents raised concerns about the safety of electoral officers and the integrity of elections.

After leaving office in January 2023, Chebukati continued to speak on election matters, calling for the independence of electoral commissions across Africa. He was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), one of Kenya’s highest honors.

Final Days

Chebukati was admitted to a hospital in Nairobi, where he was receiving treatment before his passing. President William Ruto led tributes, recognizing his role in Kenya’s electoral history. He is survived by his wife, Mary Chebukati Wanyonyi, the Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation, and their children.

His tenure at the IEBC will be remembered for the major electoral events he oversaw, the legal battles that followed, and the impact on Kenya’s democratic process.