Former IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati is Dead

Wafula Chebukati, the former chairman of Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) whose leadership was marked by controversy and legal challenges, has died at the age of 63.

Chebukati oversaw the 2017 and 2022 general elections, both of which were subject to intense scrutiny and political disputes. Appointed in January 2017, Chebukati inherited an IEBC that had been dissolved due to integrity concerns. His immediate challenge was the 2017 general election, which was later annulled by the Supreme Court due to noted irregularities.

This unprecedented decision cast a shadow over his early tenure. A subsequent repeat election, boycotted by opposition leader Raila Odinga, further polarized the political landscape and raised questions about the IEBC's credibility. The 2022 presidential election again placed Chebukati at the centre of controversy. Internal divisions within the IEBC surfaced amid allegations of rigging and unauthorized access to the commission's systems.

A faction of commissioners publicly disputed Chebukati's handling of the election results. Despite these challenges, the Supreme Court upheld the election outcome, confirming William Ruto's victory. Chebukati's tenure was viewed differently by various factions. Supporters considered him a steadfast leader who resisted external pressures, while critics accused him of autocratic tendencies and disregarding dissenting opinions.

The family of Chebukati, who passed away after being hospitalized in Nairobi for nearly a week, has not yet determined whether to conduct a postmortem examination. Family spokesperson Eric Nyongesa addressed the press on Friday, stating that a decision will be made following a family meeting later in the day. Nyongesa has refrained from disclosing the cause of death, urging the public to avoid speculation and respect the family's privacy during this period of mourning.

President William Ruto has expressed his condolences, describing Chebukati as a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity. "I have received the news of the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Wafula Chebukati with profound sorrow," Ruto stated. "Chebukati was a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity. His death is a great loss to our country."

Family members, including his father, widow Mary Wanyonyi, and his sons Jonathan and Emmanuel, were present at the Lee Funeral Home. Condolence messages have been pouring in from various leaders and members of the public, acknowledging Chebukati's contributions to Kenya's electoral process.