Wafula Chebukati Biography
Wafula Chebukati Biography:Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati (19 December 1961 – 20 February 2025) was a Kenyan lawyer and a one time chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which is responsible for overseeing elections in Kenya. Wafula Chebukati was appointed to the position on a six-year tenure in January 2017 by the retired President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta. Following his appointment in 2017,he succeeded Ahmed Issack Hassan. He retired on 17 January 2023 following the end of his term.He led Kenya through two heavily contested and controversial general elections; August 2017 and 2022 General Elections.
Wafula Chebukati Early Life and Education
Wafula Chebukati was born in Bungoma County in December 22,1961. He is an alumni of St Peters Schhol Mumias, Bokoli Secondary school and Lenana High School. He held a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Nairobi, and Master of Business Administration from the JKUAT.
Wafula Chebukati Career
He ran his sole proprietorship law firm for 20 years and thereafter in 2006 he founded a Nairobi-based partnership law firm, Cootow & Associates Advocates, which he resigned from on 17 January 2017, prior to taking up the job as a State Officer in accordance with the law and in order to avoid conflict of interest, 2006, he founded the law firm Cootow & Associates Advocates, marking the beginning of his legal career.Chebukati ventured into politics in 2007, contesting the Saboti parliamentary seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) but was unsuccessful. January 2017, he was appointed as the chairman of the IEBC by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. His tenure was marked by challenges, including overseeing the 2017 and 2022 general elections.
The 2017 presidential election results were annulled by the Supreme Court due to irregularities, leading to a repeat election. This was a historic moment, as it was the first time a presidential election had been overturned in Kenya. Despite the turmoil, Chebukati remained resolute, navigating the commission through the repeat polls.In the 2022 elections, Chebukati declared William Ruto as the President-elect amidst internal divisions within the commission. Four commissioners disputed the results, leading to a public fallout. Despite the internal discord and external pressures, Chebukati stood by the announced results, which were later upheld by the Supreme Court.His tenure was also marred by tragic events, including the deaths of IEBC officials Chris Msando in 2017 and Daniel Musyoka in 2022. These incidents cast a shadow over the electoral process, but Chebukati remained steadfast in his commitment to overseeing credible elections.In January 2023, President Ruto alleged an attempt to abduct and murder Chebukati during the 2022 elections to subvert the will of the people. These claims pointed to the intense pressures and dangers faced by Chebukati during his tenure.Upon his retirement in January 2023, Chebukati was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya’s second-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his service. He then retreated from public life, with reports indicating a decline in his health leading up to his passing.
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Wafula Chebukati Personal Life
He was a member of LSK, Institute of Certified Secretaries, and ICJ. He was married to Mary Wanyonyi, who was in 2023 nominated by President Ruto as the chairperson of the Commission of Revenue Allocation.
Wafula Chebukati Net worth
Chebukati’s net worth was estimated at Ksh120 million, while his gross salary as IEBC chairperson was approximately Ksh900,000.
Wafula Chebukati Death
It is reported that Mr Wafula Chebukati passed away at Nairobi Hospital after battling with a long-term illness. Wafula Chebukati passed away on 21st February 2025. Kenyans have sent their condolences to family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.