Wafula Chebukati: Former IEBC Chairperson Passes Away at 63

Who is Wafula Chebukati?

Wafula Chebukati is a Kenyan lawyer and former chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He was born on December 22, 1961, and was 63 years old when he passed away.

When Did Wafula Chebukati Serve as IEBC Chairman?

Chebukati was appointed as the Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on January 18, 2017, and served until January 17, 2023.

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The last person he announced as President was William Ruto on August 15, 2022, following Kenya’s general elections. Ruto won against Raila Odinga in a closely contested race.

During his term, he faced controversies, including the annulment of the 2017 presidential election by the Supreme Court and internal divisions within the commission. Despite these challenges, he played a key role in implementing electoral reforms. Chebukati completed his term in January 2023.

When did Wafula Chebukati Die?

Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11 p.m., while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital. He had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for nearly a week prior to his passing. The specific cause of his illness has not been publicly disclosed.