Uhuru mourns ex-IEBC chair Chebukati

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has said former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati played a critical role in strengthening Kenya’s electoral landscape.

In his message of condolence to the family, Uhuru said Chebukati, at the same time navigated complex challenges that came with the job.

He added that through it all, Chebukati stood firm with remarkable resilience.

“It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of Wafula Chebukati, former Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

“Throughout his time in office, he played a pivotal role in shaping our nation's electoral landscape, often navigating intricate challenges with remarkable resilience,” Uhuru said.

The former President prayed for comfort to the family and friends as they come to terms with his passing.

“My heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May they find strength and solace in cherished memories.”

Chebukati died on Thursday, February 20, at 11 pm.

The former IEBC boss had been admitted to a hospital in Nairobi where he had been undergoing treatment for nearly a week.

The Former IEBC boss had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. What Chebukati was ailing from still remains private.

Chebukati served as IEBC chair for a full term of six years and retired in January 2023.

During his tenure, he managed to oversee three Kenyan elections: the 2017 Kenyan general election, the October 2017 Kenyan repeat presidential election and the 2022 Kenyan general election.

He was a lawyer with 37 years of experience and ran his sole proprietorship law firm for 20 years.

He practiced corporate law, commercial law, corporate governance and dispute resolution.

He was a politician and member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, which he also resigned from, before applying for the position of chairperson of IEBC.

Chebukati was married to Mary Chebukati, and had children, though he kept his family life private.