Beyond the ballot: 5 interesting things to know about Wafula Chebukati
Wafula Chebukati, the former chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), whose tenure oversaw two of the country’s most contentious elections died on Thursday evening February 20, 2025, while undergoing treatment.
He was 63 at the time of his passing.
Known for his steadfast commitment to upholding the constitutional mandate of the IEBC amid political storms, Chebukati leaves behind a complex legacy that extends beyond Kenya’s ballot boxes.
Here are five interesting aspects of his life and career.
1. Legal expertise
Chebukati was a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience in corporate and commercial law.
Before joining the IEBC, he founded Cootow & Associates Advocates, a law firm where he specialized in legal compliance, governance, and environmental law.
His legal background shaped his methodical approach to leadership and decision-making at the IEBC.
2. Sports enthusiast
Beyond law and politics, Chebukati is an avid golfer.
He has actively participated in Kenyan golf tournaments and served as the Captain of Muthaiga Golf Club, showcasing his involvement in sports leadership.
As a former Captain of the prestigious Muthaiga Golf Club, he was known among friends and colleagues for advocating sports as a unifying factor in society.
Golf was his refuge, a space where he often found solace amid the pressures of public office.
3. Controversial elections
As IEBC Chair, Chebukati oversaw the 2017 and 2022 Kenyan general elections, both marked by heated political disputes.
In 2017, the Supreme Court nullified the presidential results, a first in Kenyan history, prompting a re-run.
Chebukati oversaw the repeat election, which faced opposition boycotts and public protests.
Five years later, during the 2022 elections, his declaration of William Ruto as president-elect came amidst internal IEBC divisions, with four commissioners publicly disowning the results.
Despite immense pressure, Chebukati insisted on adhering to constitutional deadlines, a decision that drew both admiration and criticism.
Chebukati’s decision to stand firm in declaring Ruto as the president-elect showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure.
4. Academic background
Chebukati’s academic credentials included a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Nairobi and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
His dual expertise in law and business equipped him to navigate the complexities of electoral governance while maintaining a focus on institutional integrity.
5. Electoral reforms
Despite criticism, Chebukati consistently called for electoral reforms to strengthen Kenya’s democratic processes.
He was a vocal advocate for reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral system.
He frequently highlighted the challenges facing the IEBC, from inadequate funding to political interference.
His post-IEBC commentaries underscored the need for long-term institutional independence to safeguard Kenya’s democracy.
Chebukati’s death marks the end of an era in Kenya’s electoral landscape.
To some, he will be remembered as a principled defender of constitutionalism; to others, a polarizing figure in a divided political climate.
Regardless of perspective, Wafula Chebukati’s influence on Kenya’s democratic journey is undeniable.
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