Ruto Leads Kenyans in Mourning Ex-IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati

Former IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati presents President William Ruto his election certificate at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, August 15, 2022. PCS

President William Ruto has led the nation in mourning the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) member Wafula Chebukati, who passed away on Friday.

In a post on his X account, the President described Chebukati's passing as a "significant loss to the country."

"I have received the news of the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Wafula Chebukati with profound sorrow," he said.

Wafula Chebukati, the former Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace."

Wafula Chebukati, the former Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.

Chebukati's family verified the news of his passing just a week after he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital, following several days of treatment at his home. 

Chebukati, who was 64 years old, passed away at 11 pm on Thursday. The former IEBC head had been in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit. The illness Chebukati was suffering from is still undisclosed.

Chebukati, born on December 22, 1961, went to Lenana High School in Nairobi County and subsequently enrolled at the University of Nairobi (UoN) to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Law.

Chebukati additionally obtained a master's degree in Business Administration from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Chebukati, who is affiliated with both the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), gained prominence in 2007 when he contested for the Saboti Member of Parliament position.

Nonetheless, although contesting for the seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) banner, the former IEBC chairperson was defeated in the elections by Eugene Wamalwa, who ran on a Party of National Unity (PNU) ticket.

Following the loss, Chebukati stepped down from ODM and sought the position of IEBC chairperson, for which he was nominated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.