| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati |
| Date of Birth | 19 December 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Bungoma County, Kenya |
| Date of D€ath | 20 February 2025 |
| Age | 63 years |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Profession | Lawyer, Politician |
| Spouse | Mary Wanyonyi |
| Education | University of Nairobi (LL.B), JKUAT (MBA) |
| Net Worth | Ksh135 million |
Who Was Wafula Chebukati?
Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati was a prominent Kenyan lawyer and politician, best known for serving as the Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Appointed in 2017 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, he played a pivotal role in overseeing Kenya’s elections in 2017 and 2022
Early Life and Education
Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati was born on December 19, 1961, in Bungoma County, Kenya. He attended St. Peters School in Mumias for his primary education, followed by Bokoli Secondary School and Lenana High School for his secondary education. Chebukati pursued a Bachelor of Law degree at the University of Nairobi and later earned a Master of Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). He was a member of the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Certified Secretaries, and the International Commission of Jurists.
Legal Career
Chebukati had a distinguished legal career spanning several decades. He operated his own law firm for 20 years before founding Cootow & Associates Advocates in Nairobi in 2006. He resigned from the firm on January 17, 2017, to assume the role of Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), ensuring compliance with legal requirements and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Political Endeavors
In addition to his legal practice, Chebukati was active in politics. He was a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and contested the Saboti Constituency parliamentary seat in the 2007 general elections, finishing in second place. He resigned from the ODM before applying for the position of IEBC Chairperson to maintain impartiality.
Tenure as IEBC Chairman
Appointed in January 2017 by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, Chebukati served a six-year term as IEBC Chairman. During his tenure, he oversaw two significant general elections in 2017 and 2022. The 2017 election results were annulled by the Supreme Court due to irregularities, leading to a repeat election. Despite challenges, Chebukati completed his term on January 17, 2023, becoming the first IEBC Chairperson to do so. In recognition of his service, President William Ruto awarded him the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya’s second-highest civilian honor.
Challenges and Controversies
Chebukati’s leadership faced several challenges, including the resignation of key IEBC commissioners who criticized his management. Notably, during the 2022 presidential election, four out of seven commissioners disowned the final results, citing transparency concerns. Despite these internal disputes and external pressures, Chebukati maintained that the elections were conducted fairly, a stance upheld by the Supreme Court.
Wafula Chebukati Wife – Personal Life
Chebukati was married to Mary Wanyonyi, who was nominated in 2023 by President Ruto as the chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation. The couple had children together, though specific details about their family life remain private.
Health and Demise
After retiring from the IEBC, Chebukati’s health declined. He became critically ill in 2024 and sought medical treatment abroad. On February 20, 2025, he passed away at Nairobi Hospital at the age of 63. The exact cause of his d€ath has not been publicly disclosed, with the family stating they are yet to establish it.
Wafula Chebukati D€ath Cause
In 2024, Chebukati’s health deteriorated, leading to his d€ath on 20 February 2025 in Nairobi at the age of 63. As of now, the exact cause of his d€ath has not been publicly disclosed.
Wafula Chebukati Tributes and Legacy
Following his passing, tributes poured in from various leaders and citizens. President William Ruto described Chebukati as a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also conveyed condolences to the family, acknowledging their loss during this difficult time. Chebukati’s tenure at the IEBC was marked by significant challenges, but he is remembered for his commitment to upholding the electoral process in Kenya.
Wafula Chebukati Net Worth
At the time of his d€ath, Wafula Chebukati’s net worth was estimated to be approximately Ksh135 million. This wealth was accumulated through his extensive legal career and public service roles.
Conclusion
Wafula Chebukati was a significant figure in Kenya’s electoral history. His leadership at the IEBC shaped the country’s democratic processes, despite facing numerous controversies. His legacy as a lawyer, politician, and public servant will remain influential in Kenya’s governance landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was Wafula Chebukati’s role in Kenya’s elections?
Wafula Chebukati served as the Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from 2017 to 2023, overseeing the 2017 and 2022 general elections.
2. Who is Wafula Chebukati’s wife?
He was married to Mary Wanyonyi, who was appointed as the chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation in 2023.
3. When did Wafula Chebukati pass away?
Chebukati passed away on February 20, 2025, at Nairobi Hospital.
4. What was the cause of Wafula Chebukati’s d€ath?
The exact cause of his d€ath has not been publicly disclosed, as the family is yet to establish it.
5. What was Wafula Chebukati’s net worth?
At the time of his d€ath, his net worth was estimated to be around Ksh135 million.
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