Cause of Death
Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati passed away on February 20, 2025, due to complications arising from a recurrent brain tumor and cardiac arrest. His family revealed that he was first diagnosed with brain cancer in April 2023 and underwent surgery in Germany. Although he initially recovered, the tumor recurred in April 2024, requiring another surgical intervention.
Unfortunately, a third recurrence in December 2024 led to his hospitalization in Nairobi. His condition worsened, and he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on February 12, 2025. He ultimately succumbed to cardiac arrest on February 20. The family has planned his burial for March 8, 2025, at his home in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.
Who Was Wafula Chebukati?
Wafula Chebukati was a Kenyan lawyer and administrator, best known for serving as the Chairperson of the IEBC from 2017 to 2023. He played a critical role in overseeing Kenya’s 2017 and 2022 General Elections. Before joining the electoral body, he had an extensive legal career, founding Cootow & Associates Advocates, where he specialized in commercial law and governance matters. 
His Legacy in Kenya’s Electoral System
Chebukati will be remembered as a polarizing yet pivotal figure in Kenya’s electoral history. His tenure at the IEBC was marked by both controversy and commendable resilience:
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2017 General Election – The Supreme Court nullified the 2017 presidential election due to irregularities, a historic first in Africa. Despite this, Chebukati oversaw the repeat election, which reaffirmed Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory.
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2022 General Election – He presided over a highly contested election that saw William Ruto declared President despite internal divisions within the IEBC. Four commissioners disowned the results, but the Supreme Court upheld the election’s legitimacy, cementing Chebukati’s reputation as a firm and independent electoral official.
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Defender of Electoral Integrity – Chebukati’s legacy is deeply tied to his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, even when faced with intense political pressure. His stance during the 2022 elections, where he resisted alleged interference and threats, earned him both admiration and criticism.
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Electoral Reforms – Under his leadership, the IEBC adopted technological advancements, such as the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS), which improved transparency in voting and result transmission.
Final Reflections
Wafula Chebukati’s death marks the loss of a significant figure in Kenya’s democratic journey. While his tenure at IEBC was not without controversy, he is widely regarded as a man who stood firm in the face of political turbulence. His contributions to electoral reforms and governance will remain a subject of debate, but his role in shaping Kenya’s democratic processes is undeniable.
May he rest in peace.
