President William Ruto has conveyed his heartfelt condolences following the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson, Wafula Chebukati.
Chebukati, who served as the IEBC Chair from January 2017 to January 2023, passed away on the night of February 20, 2025, while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital.
President Ruto, in his statement, lauded Chebukati as a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with unwavering integrity. He remarked, “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.”
Wafula Chebukati’s tenure at the helm of the IEBC was marked by significant milestones in Kenya’s electoral history. Appointed in January 2017, he oversaw two general elections: the contentious 2017 elections and the subsequent 2022 elections. Despite facing immense challenges, including threats to his life and attempts to undermine the electoral process, Chebukati remained steadfast in his commitment to upholding the democratic will of the Kenyan people.
In a revelation made in January 2023, President Ruto disclosed that there had been a direct attempt to abduct and assassinate Chebukati during the 2022 elections. The plot aimed to paralyze the commission and subvert the sovereignty of the people. Ruto stated, “We know that there was a direct attempt to abduct Wafula Chebukati and murder him so that the commission would be paralyzed, or a compliant commissioner take over and subvert the people’s sovereignty.”
Chebukati’s resilience and dedication did not go unrecognized. Upon completing his six-year term in January 2023, he was honored with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya’s second-highest civilian award, for his unwavering commitment to the nation’s democratic processes.
Beyond his role in the electoral commission, Chebukati was a seasoned legal practitioner. He ran his own law firm for two decades before founding Cootow & Associates Advocates in 2006, a Nairobi-based partnership. His foray into politics saw him contest the Saboti Constituency parliamentary seat in 2007, where he emerged as the first runner-up.
In December 2023, Chebukati celebrated his 62nd birthday, expressing gratitude for the journey thus far. He shared a heartfelt message, stating, “I thank Almighty God for enabling me to celebrate my 62nd birthday with my loving family and friends. Wonderful times down memory lane.”
Wafula Chebukati’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to justice, democracy, and the rule of law. His contributions to Kenya’s electoral integrity have left an indelible mark on the nation’s democratic journey. As the country mourns his passing, his steadfast commitment to upholding the will of the people serves as a beacon of integrity and resilience.
