Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati has passed away at the age of 64. His family confirmed that he died at 11 PM on Thursday after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at a Nairobi hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for nearly a week. The exact cause of his illness remains private.

Chebukati, who served as the IEBC chair from 2017 until his retirement in January 2023, played a pivotal role in Kenya’s democratic process. He presided over three major elections: the 2017 General Election, the October 2017 repeat presidential election, and the 2022 General Election. His tenure was marked by both challenges and milestones, solidifying his legacy in Kenya’s electoral history.

Before his role at the IEBC, Chebukati had an illustrious legal career spanning 37 years. He founded the Nairobi-based law firm Cootow & Associates Advocates in 2006, where he specialized in corporate law, commercial law, corporate governance, and dispute resolution. He resigned from the firm in 2017 upon his appointment as IEBC chairperson.

Chebukati also had a brief political stint as a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) before resigning from the party to pursue the IEBC role. Despite his public life, he maintained a private family life. He was married to Mary Chebukati, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), a role she assumed in 2023.

Away from the political and legal arenas, Chebukati was passionate about golf. He served as captain and chairman of the Nyali and Mombasa Golf Clubs and was an active member of the Kenya Golfing Society.

Kenya mourns the loss of a key figure in its democratic journey. Tributes have begun pouring in from leaders, colleagues, and citizens, recognizing Chebukati’s dedication to public service and his commitment to upholding Kenya’s electoral integrity.

Funeral arrangements are underway, with the family requesting privacy during this difficult time.