Wafula Chebukati, born on December 22, 1961, in Nanyuki County, Kenya, is a distinguished Kenyan lawyer and public servant. He is best known for his tenure as the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), a position he held from January 2017 to January 2023.
Educational Background
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Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.): Chebukati earned his law degree from the University of Nairobi.
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Master of Business Administration (MBA): He furthered his education with an MBA from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Professional Career
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Legal Practice: With over 37 years in the legal field, Chebukati initially operated a sole proprietorship law firm for two decades. In 2006, he co-founded Cootow & Associates Advocates, a Nairobi-based partnership law firm. He resigned from this firm in January 2017 to assume his role at the IEBC, adhering to legal requirements to prevent conflicts of interest.
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Political Involvement: Chebukati was a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) but resigned before applying for the IEBC Chairperson position. In 2007, he contested the Saboti Constituency parliamentary seat and secured second place.
Tenure at the IEBC
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Appointment: In January 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Chebukati as the Chairperson of the IEBC for a six-year term, succeeding Ahmed Issack Hassan.
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Elections Oversight: During his tenure, Chebukati oversaw three significant elections:
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2017 General Election: The election faced challenges, including annulment by the Supreme Court, leading to a repeat election.
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October 2017 Presidential Election: Chebukati declared President Uhuru Kenyatta the winner.
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2022 General Election: He declared William Ruto the President-elect, a decision that faced dissent from some commissioners.
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Retirement: Chebukati retired on January 17, 2023, becoming the first IEBC Chairperson to complete a full six-year term.
Post-IEBC Activities
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Recognition: In 2023, President William Ruto awarded Chebukati the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya’s second-highest civilian honor, acknowledging his contributions to the electoral process.
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Personal Life: Chebukati celebrated his 62nd birthday on December 23, 2023, with a gathering of family and friends. He expressed gratitude for the support and memories shared over the years.
Recent Health Concerns
In April 2024, reports emerged that Chebukati was hospitalized at Aga Khan University Hospital due to an undisclosed illness. Initial reports suggested he was moved from Nairobi Hospital to Aga Khan Hospital as his health deteriorated. However, these claims were later debunked, and no credible sources confirmed his hospitalization.
Public Perception and Legacy
Chebukati’s leadership at the IEBC was marked by both praise and criticism. Supporters commend his commitment to upholding the electoral process, while critics highlight controversies during the 2017 and 2022 elections. His legacy remains a topic of discussion, reflecting the complexities of electoral management in Kenya.
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