The name Wafula Chebukati resonates across Kenya’s political history as a figure who presided over some of the country’s most contentious elections. From the historic 2017 presidential election that was nullified by the Supreme Court to the drama that unfolded during the 2022 elections, Chebukati’s time as the Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is well-documented, often defined by controversy and political battles. However, there is more to the late Chebukati than the headlines, more than his public persona as a stalwart of electoral integrity.
As Kenya grapples with the loss of a man who shaped the country's electoral history, new insights are emerging about the life of the former IEBC chairperson that many did not know.
A Man of Deep Legal Roots and Principles
Wafula Chebukati was not just a public figure thrust into the spotlight by his controversial election decisions — he was a trained lawyer with a deep commitment to governance and the rule of law. Born on December 22, 1961, in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, Chebukati initially made his name in the legal world. After attending St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School and Lenana High School, he pursued a law degree at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1985. Chebukati didn’t just practice law — he built his career around governance, international trade, and dispute resolution. He founded his own law firm, Cootow & Associates Advocates, and practiced for over three decades.
What many did not know was that his passion for law was rooted in a desire to ensure fairness, justice, and transparency — ideals he would later carry into his role at the IEBC. His decision to enter the legal profession was not out of mere ambition but was a reflection of his deep-seated belief that law was the foundation of a fair and just society.
The Private Struggles Behind the Public Battles
While Chebukati was publicly seen as a symbol of stability during the stormy election periods, few understood the personal toll his position took on him. The pressures of managing Kenya's highly politicized and controversial elections weighed heavily on the former IEBC chairperson. In 2023, after stepping down from the commission, reports revealed that Chebukati had been battling a long-term illness, one that kept him hospitalized for months. Despite the often intense scrutiny he faced during his tenure, this aspect of his life remained largely unknown to the public.
His health struggles were kept largely under wraps, and it was only after his passing that Kenyans began to realize how much Chebukati had quietly endured while serving in his high-profile role. This revelation paints a portrait of a man who not only carried the weight of national elections on his shoulders but also faced personal battles away from the limelight.
A Reluctant Politician Who Steered Clear of Politics
Before Chebukati's name became synonymous with Kenya’s elections, he briefly entered the political scene in 2007. He vied for the Saboti parliamentary seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. However, his attempt at active politics was short-lived as he failed to win the seat. After this defeat, Chebukati distanced himself from politics, choosing instead to focus on his legal career and public service.
What many did not know was that his foray into politics wasn’t driven by ambition but by a desire to contribute to his community. Despite his unsuccessful run, he did not allow his brief political setback to define him. His decision to retreat from the political arena was a conscious one, marking the beginning of his focus on governance and public institutions, eventually leading him to the helm of the IEBC.
A Leader in the Eye of the Storm
Chebukati’s time at the IEBC was marked by political storms, but his leadership was underpinned by a steady resolve to uphold the law. The 2017 election, which resulted in the annulment of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s win by the Supreme Court, was perhaps the most significant event of his career. Despite facing fierce criticism from all sides, Chebukati remained firm in his stance, insisting that the election had been conducted in accordance with the law.
In the 2022 elections, his declaration of William Ruto as the winner was met with sharp dissent, as four IEBC commissioners famously disowned the results. While many have since questioned his role in these elections, Chebukati’s actions were a reflection of his belief in the rule of law — even when faced with immense pressure from all directions. His leadership during these critical moments is a testament to the burden of overseeing elections in a highly polarized nation, where every decision is magnified under the microscope of politics.
A Legacy of Quiet Strength
Wafula Chebukati's legacy is one of quiet strength and commitment to the principles of democracy, law, and fairness. Though his name will forever be associated with political controversy, his story is also one of personal resilience. Behind the headlines of election disputes and political wrangling was a man who dedicated his life to upholding the integrity of Kenya’s electoral system.
As Kenya reflects on Chebukati’s legacy, many will remember the public figure, the leader of the IEBC, and the man at the center of one of the most tumultuous political periods in the country’s history. But there is also the story of Wafula Chebukati, the lawyer, the reluctant politician, and the man who, despite his private struggles, remained steadfast in his belief in justice and democracy.
In his passing, Chebukati leaves behind a nation still grappling with the complexities of electoral integrity, but also a reminder that even the most controversial public figures carry with them unseen burdens and a story far more layered than what meets the eye.
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