Wafula Chebukati and Controversies That Rocked IEBC During His Tenure

Wafula Chebukati’s tenure as the chairman of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from January 2017 to January 2023 was marked by significant controversies that shaped the nation’s electoral landscape.

From the tragic death of a key IT manager to internal disputes and annulled elections, Chebukati’s leadership faced numerous challenges that tested the resilience of Kenya’s democratic institutions.

Controversies That Defined Wafula Chebukati’s Leadership at IEBC

Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has died.

He passed away at a Nairobi hospital after battling a long illness. He was 63.

Chebukati, a lawyer, took over as IEBC chair in January 2017 after former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him. His six-year term ended on January 17, 2023.

His death has drawn mixed reactions. President William Ruto described him as a principled and diligent leader who served with integrity. Ruto called his passing a great loss to the nation.

However, some Kenyans reacted differently, remembering the controversies that surrounded his leadership at the electoral commission.

The Tragic Death of Chris Msando

In July 2017, just seven months into Chebukati’s tenure, the IEBC’s IT manager, Chris Msando, was found dead on the outskirts of Nairobi. His body, discovered alongside that of a woman, showed signs of torture.

Msando had been responsible for testing the Kenya Integrated Electoral Management System (KIEMS), designed to enhance the credibility of the upcoming elections by preventing voter fraud.

His untimely death raised serious concerns about the security and integrity of the electoral process.

Annulment of the 2017 Presidential Election

The 2017 general elections saw incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta face off against opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Despite allegations of electoral malpractice from Odinga’s camp, Chebukati declared Kenyatta the winner by a margin of 1.4 million votes.

Odinga challenged the results in the Supreme Court, leading to a historic ruling on September 1, 2017.

The court annulled the presidential election, citing irregularities in the transmission and verification of results, and ordered a fresh election within 60 days.

This landmark decision underscored the judiciary’s role in upholding electoral integrity.

Internal Turmoil and Resignations

The period leading up to the repeat election was tumultuous for the IEBC. Commissioner Dr. Roselyn Akombe resigned just a week before the scheduled poll, citing the commission’s inability to conduct a credible election due to internal divisions and external pressures.

Her departure highlighted the deep-seated issues within the IEBC and cast doubt on its capacity to oversee a fair electoral process.

Wafula Chebukati Was Behind The Dismissal of CEO Ezra Chiloba

Amidst the political unrest and public outcry following the annulled elections, IEBC’s CEO, Ezra Chiloba, became a focal point of controversy.

Accusations of mismanagement and failure to implement commission decisions led to his suspension and eventual dismissal in 2018.

Chebukati cited Chiloba’s gross misconduct and violation of procurement laws as reasons for the termination.

This move was seen by some as a necessary step towards restoring the commission’s credibility, while others viewed it as indicative of deeper systemic issues within the IEBC.

2022 Elections: Wafula Chebukati vs the “Cherera Four”

The 2022 general elections presented another significant challenge. As the nation awaited the presidential results, four IEBC commissioners—Vice Chair Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Justus Nyang’aya, and Irene Masit—publicly disowned the results, citing opaqueness in the final tallying process.

Their dissent led to confusion and heightened tensions across the country. Despite the internal discord, Chebukati proceeded to declare William Ruto as the president-elect.

The Supreme Court later upheld Ruto’s victory, dismissing the petitions challenging the election outcome.

Legacy and Reflections

Chebukati’s tenure at the IEBC was undeniably fraught with challenges that tested Kenya’s electoral framework.

From overseeing annulled elections to managing internal divisions and public trust issues, his leadership navigated a complex landscape of political and institutional pressures.

While some commend his steadfastness in the face of adversity, others critique the controversies that marred his time in office.

As Kenya continues to evolve its democratic processes, the experiences from Chebukati’s era offer valuable lessons for future electoral reforms and leadership within the IEBC.

What Caused Chebukati’s Death?

Wafula Chebukati’s family has not yet determined the cause of his death. The former IEBC Chairperson passed away on Thursday night.

Family spokesperson Eric Nyongesa Wafula told the press outside Lee Funeral Home that they will hold a meeting on Friday evening.

They plan to discuss important matters, including whether to conduct a postmortem to find out the cause of death.

Facts About Wafula Chebukati

• Death: Chebukati passed away at 11 PM on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
• Health: He had been critically ill since 2024 and was admitted to the ICU before his death.
• IEBC Leadership:
  • Served as IEBC Chairman for six years.
  • Retired on January 17, 2023.
  • Oversaw the 2017 and 2022 General Elections.
• Education:
  • Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Nairobi.
  • Master of Business Administration from JKUAT.
  • Attended St. Peters Mumias Boys and Lenana School.
• Family:
  • Married to Mary Chebukati Wanyonyi.
  • Father to Emmanuel, Rachel, and Jonathan Chebukati.
  • First-born son of John Wafula Chebukati and Mama Joina Wafula.