Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati died on February 20, 2025, aged 64. According to the family, he succumbed to cardiac arrest following a long battle with brain cancer.
Diagnosed in April 2023, just months after vacating office, Chebukati had undergone various surgeries in Germany to treat the condition. Despite showing improvement at first, the cancer came back again, requiring more medical interventions before his final hospitalisation in February 2025
Chebukati will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 8, at his farm in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County. His passing has drawn tributes from political leaders and Kenyans, with many acknowledging his role in shaping the country’s electoral landscape. While his tenure at the IEBC remains a subject of both praise and controversy, his contributions to Kenya’s democracy remain significant.
This article examines Chebukati's tenure at the helm of the IEBC, outlining key moments that defined his leadership and the legacy he leaves behind:
Chebukati’s Tenure at the Helm of IEBC
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Chebukati assumed office as the Chairperson of IEBC in January 2017. His tenure was marked by legal battles, political confrontations, and intense scrutiny, as every presidential election he oversaw ended up in court challenges.
2017 General Election and Nullification
Chebukati’s first major test came in August 2017, when he presided over the general election. Shortly after the results were announced, opposition leader Raila Odinga and the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition challenged the outcome, claiming massive irregularities. In a landmark decision, Kenya's Supreme Court annulled the presidential results, citing "illegalities and irregularities" in the results transmission.
Chief Justice David Maraga, while reading the judgment, stated: "The Presidential election was not conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the applicable law rendering the results invalid, null and void."
The ruling marked the first time a presidential election had been annulled in Kenya. The court ordered a repeat election within 60 days.
Repeat Election and Resignations
The repeat election in October 2017 was boycotted by Odinga and his coalition, who demanded electoral reforms before participation. The election proceeded with former President Uhuru Kenyatta winning by a landslide, though voter turnout was significantly lower than in August.
Amid the tension leading to the repeat election, former IEBC commissioner Roselyn Akombe resigned and fled to the United States. She claimed that the Commission was "under siege" and not in a position to deliver a credible election.
Three other commissioners, Consolata Maina, Margaret Mwachanya, and Paul Kurgat would later resign, citing internal interference and lack of independence.
2022 General Election and Bomas Chaos
Chebukati remained at the helm of the IEBC for the 2022 elections, which were equally contentious. The presidential election had William Ruto declared the winner, but chaos temporarily erupted at the national tallying centre, Bomas of Kenya, before the declaration. A group of IEBC commissioners, led by then vice chair Juliana Cherera, disowned he final tally, claiming a lack of transparency in the verification process.
Violence broke out, and Chebukati was temporarily evacuated. Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition politicians protested by forcing their way onto the stage. Despite the mayhem, Chebukati came back under tight security and declared Ruto the President-elect.
Praise and Criticism over 2022 election
Chebukati’s handling of the 2022 election earned him both praise and criticism. President Ruto lauded him for his firm leadership, stating: "Chebukati is a hero. He stood against blackmail, threats, and intimidation to deliver a free and fair election."
On the other hand, Odinga strongly criticised Chebukati, questioning the credibility of the election process. Odinga accused him of electoral misconduct and manipulation of results.
"Chebukati belongs in jail, not in a place of honour. He presided over an election that lacked transparency and fairness," Odinga said.
Chebukati’s Verdict
Chebukati, on his part, defended his time in office, saying he remained faithful to the constitution despite intimidation.
"I swore to defend the Constitution and the rule of law… That’s why I stand before you today despite intimidation and harassment," he said.
After completing his six-year term in January 2023, Chebukati vacated office, leaving behind a legacy that continues to stir debate in Kenya’s political circles.
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