Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati has died at the age of 63 years.
Chebukati died while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a Nairobi hospital following a prolonged illness.
His family confirmed his death though the specific details of his illness remain undisclosed.
READ ALSO: Former IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati in ICU battling critical illness
President William Ruto has expressed deep sorrow over Chebukati’s death, calling his passing a great loss to the country.
In a statement, Ruto described Chebukati as a principled and diligent leader who served Kenya with integrity.
“I have received the news of the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Wafula Chebukati with profound sorrow. Chebukati was a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity. His death is a great loss to our country,” the President said.
Ruto extended his condolences to Chebukati’s family and friends, assuring them of the nation’s thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Chebukati, a seasoned lawyer, served as IEBC Chair from 2017 until his retirement in January 2023. He was the first IEBC Chair to complete a full six-year constitutional term, overseeing the 2017 and 2022 General Elections.
His tenure was marked by political turbulence, including the Supreme Court’s nullification of the 2017 presidential results, leading to a controversial re-run.
In 2022, he faced a public fallout with four IEBC commissioners, dubbed the “Cherera Four,” who disputed the presidential election results.
Despite political pressure and criticism, Chebukati remained firm, defending the integrity of the commission’s electoral processes, earning both praise and scrutiny for his role in Kenya’s democracy.
Born on December 22, 1961, in Bungoma County, Chebukati was a distinguished lawyer specializing in commercial and public law.
He attended Lenana High School before earning a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Nairobi and a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
He later pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
With over 36 years in legal practice, Chebukati was a member of professional bodies such as the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS), and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) – Kenya Chapter.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Wanyonyi Chebukati, and their three children. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
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