President William Ruto is among notable leaders who have mourned former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati.

Chebukati’s family confirmed his demise on Friday, February 21 saying that the former IEBC chairperson died on Thursday night aged 64 following a long illness.

Ruto while mourning the former IEBC chair, who served for a full term of six years before his retirement in January 2023 said that he was saddened by the loss.

“I have received the news of the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Wafula Chebukati with profound sorrow. Chebukati was a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity. His death is a great loss to our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” said Ruto

President William Ruto with former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati. PHOTO/IEBC Kenya "

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on his part mourned Chebukati as an eminent jurist, steadfast defender of the rule of law, and dedicated public servant whose contributions to our nation’s democratic journey will be remembered for generations.

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“As an advocate of great repute, Mr. Chebukati embodied the dignity and integrity of the legal profession. During his tenure as Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, he carried out his responsibilities with remarkable courage, fidelity to the Constitution, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Even in the face of immense challenges, he remained resolute, guided by his oath of office and the principles of fairness and transparency.

His passing is a profound loss not only to his family but also to the legal fraternity, the electoral governance space, and the nation as a whole. His legacy of integrity and service will continue to inspire future generations of legal minds and public servants dedicated to upholding the rule of law and advancing democracy. On my behalf, that of my family, and the National Assembly of Kenya, I offer my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues. In this time of grief, may the Almighty grant them comfort and strength.”

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Former IEBC commissioner Dr. Roselyn Akombe who served with Chebukati also mourned him following the demise.

“Rest in peace, Mr. Chairman,” she said.

His demise occurred after he was earlier in the week admitted to a hospital in Nairobi on Monday.

A family source said that the former IEBC chair had been declared ‘clinically dead,’ with most of his organs no longer functioning.

Chebukati was a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and founded the Cootow and Associates Advocates law in Nairobi in 2006.

He went on to contest for the Saboti Constituency parliamentary seat in 2007 on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket but lost.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed the lawyer as IEBC Chairperson on a six-year tenure in January 2017 in which he went on to oversee three Kenyan elections during his tenure.

This included the hotly contested 2017 general election, the October 2017 repeat presidential election and the 2022 general elections.

Wafula officially retired on January 17, 2023, after six years at the helm of the electoral commission.

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Education

The former IEBC boss attended Lenana High School before joining the University of Nairobi (UoN) where he attained a bachelor’s degree in law.

He also held a master’s degree in business administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Chebukati was also a member of the Institute of Certified Secretaries, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).