Wafula Chebukati: The Man Behind Kenya’s Electoral Drama
Wafula Chebukati is one of the most polarizing figures in Kenya’s electoral history. As the Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from 2017 to 2023, he presided over two of the country’s most contentious general elections. His tenure saw a Supreme Court nullification of a presidential election, internal divisions within the IEBC, and intense political pressure. Some view him as a principled defender of democracy, while others see him as a controversial figure who failed to build public confidence in Kenya’s electoral process.
Early Life and Education
Wafula Chebukati was born on December 22, 1961, in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County. He attended St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School before proceeding to Lenana High School. His academic excellence led him to the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a law degree in 1985. He later obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), further strengthening his expertise in governance and leadership.
Legal and Political Career
Chebukati practiced law for over three decades, specializing in governance, international trade law, and dispute resolution. He established his own law firm, Cootow & Associates Advocates, where he built a reputation as a legal expert.
His brief foray into politics came in 2007 when he contested for the Saboti parliamentary seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. However, he lost to the late Eugene Wamalwa. After his loss, he distanced himself from active politics, focusing instead on legal practice. This apolitical stance would later become a subject of scrutiny when he was appointed as the IEBC chairman.
IEBC Chairmanship and the Electoral Controversies
When Wafula Chebukati was appointed as the IEBC chairman in 2017, Kenya was already deeply divided along political lines. His tenure turned out to be one of the most dramatic in the country’s electoral history, overseeing two of the most contentious elections in Kenya’s democratic journey.
The 2017 General Elections
The 2017 elections were a defining moment for Chebukati and the IEBC. He presided over the presidential election that saw Uhuru Kenyatta declared the winner. However, the opposition, led by Raila Odinga, challenged the results, citing massive irregularities, including discrepancies in result transmission.
In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court of Kenya nullified the presidential election—the first time in Africa that a court overturned a presidential vote. The court cited irregularities and illegalities, particularly in the transmission of results. Chebukati found himself in an unprecedented position—having to oversee a fresh presidential election within 60 days.
The repeat election, held on October 26, 2017, was boycotted by Raila Odinga, who accused the IEBC of failing to implement reforms that would guarantee free and fair elections. As a result, Uhuru Kenyatta won by a landslide, but with a significantly low voter turnout. The country was left deeply polarized, and Chebukati faced immense criticism for his handling of the election process.
The 2017 election period was further marred by tragedy when IEBC ICT Director Chris Msando was brutally murdered days before the election. Msando was responsible for overseeing the electronic transmission of results, and his death fueled suspicions of electoral fraud and manipulation.
The 2022 General Elections: A House Divided
If the 2017 elections were controversial, the 2022 elections were even more dramatic. As the country prepared for another high-stakes election, Chebukati once again found himself at the center of political storms.
On August 15, 2022, Chebukati declared William Ruto as the winner of the presidential election. However, the announcement was overshadowed by internal rebellion within the IEBC. Four out of the seven IEBC commissioners, led by Vice Chair Juliana Cherera, disowned the results, claiming that the final tally was opaque and unverifiable.
The split within the commission was unprecedented. The “Cherera Four” held a separate press conference at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi, rejecting the results and casting doubt on the integrity of the process. This division fueled post-election tensions, with Raila Odinga and his supporters alleging massive rigging.
The matter was taken to the Supreme Court, where Raila Odinga sought to nullify Ruto’s victory. However, in a unanimous verdict, the court upheld Ruto’s win, dismissing the allegations of fraud. Despite the ruling, suspicions and mistrust surrounding the IEBC persisted.
In the aftermath, the government launched investigations into the conduct of the dissenting commissioners. Juliana Cherera and her colleagues later resigned, further solidifying Chebukati’s position as a figure both praised and criticized in equal measure.
Chebukati’s View on His Tenure
Throughout his time at the IEBC, Chebukati maintained that he stood by the rule of law and electoral integrity. He often claimed that he had resisted external influence and pressure from political forces attempting to interfere with the electoral process.
In his farewell speech as he exited office in January 2023, Chebukati stated:
“We have done our best in the face of great adversity. I leave the IEBC proud of what we have accomplished, knowing that history will judge us fairly.”
His defenders argue that he upheld democracy despite threats and intimidation, while his critics accuse him of failing to unite the commission and ensure transparency.
Post-IEBC Life and Final Days
After retiring from the IEBC, Chebukati kept a low profile, staying away from public political discourse. However, in late 2024, reports emerged that he had been battling a serious illness. He was hospitalized in Nairobi for weeks, with family sources revealing that he had undergone multiple surgeries for brain cancer.
On February 20, 2025, Wafula Chebukati passed away, ending a career that left an indelible mark on Kenya’s electoral history. His wife, Mary Wanyonyi, who had been appointed as the Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) in 2023, confirmed the news of his passing.
Legacy: Hero or Villain?
Wafula Chebukati leaves behind a deeply divided legacy. Some view him as a courageous reformist who upheld electoral laws despite political pressures. His defenders argue that he safeguarded Kenya’s democracy by resisting manipulation and ensuring elections proceeded as scheduled.
However, his critics believe he failed to inspire public confidence in the electoral process. They accuse him of overseeing chaotic elections, lacking transparency, and presiding over a divided commission. The controversies surrounding the 2017 and 2022 elections continue to shape discussions about Kenya’s electoral system.
One thing remains certain—Chebukati’s tenure at the IEBC will be studied for years to come as a period of high-stakes political drama, legal battles, and deep electoral divisions.
What Do You Think?
Was Wafula Chebukati a defender of democracy, or did he contribute to Kenya’s electoral mistrust? Share your thoughts in the comments below and welcome back to Derdeedo Media Blog.
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