Is Wafula Chebukati Sick? Where is He Now? Is He Dead or Alive?
by Aishwarya R
Updated May 13, 2023
Who is Wafula Chebukati?
Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati, a passionate Kenyan lawyer, has left an indelible mark as the former chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). With unwavering dedication, he took on the responsibility of overseeing elections in Kenya, a role of utmost significance for the democratic fabric of the nation.
Appointed to this pivotal position in January 2017 by the esteemed President Uhuru Kenyatta, Chebukati embarked on a journey fueled by passion and a deep commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. With his tenure spanning six years, he embraced the challenges and opportunities that came his way, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of fair and transparent elections.
During his tenure, Chebukati succeeded Ahmed Issack Hassan, stepping into the shoes of a predecessor who had left an indelible legacy. With great passion and determination, he shouldered the immense responsibility of ensuring that the democratic aspirations of the Kenyan people were met.
On January 17, 2023, a bittersweet moment arrived as the end of his term marked the culmination of an extraordinary journey. Throughout his tenure, Chebukati exhibited a fervent passion for his role, tirelessly working to uphold the democratic values that lie at the heart of Kenya's electoral system.
Chebukati's dedication and unwavering commitment will forever be remembered. His tenure as the chairman of the IEBC symbolizes the importance of passion and integrity in safeguarding the democratic principles upon which our nation stands. The impact of his work will continue to resonate within the annals of Kenyan history, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
Is Wafula Chebukati Sick?
It is unconfirmed whether Wafula Chebukati is sick or not as there is no official information found about his illness. There are rumors circulating that former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati may have been flown out of the country for emergency medical treatment. According to word on the streets, Chebukati fell ill, and his condition reportedly deteriorated, prompting his family to arrange for his evacuation.
An unconfirmed source has suggested that the former electoral boss was secretly airlifted to Germany to receive specialized medical care. Chebukati, who concluded his term at the IEBC last year, has overseen several elections, the latest of which drew criticism from the opposition. Despite dissent from four commissioners who questioned the results due to a lack of legal quorum, Chebukati declared William Ruto, the flagbearer of the Kenya Kwanza Party, as the winner of the presidential race.
This decision sparked another round of legal battles at the Supreme Court. However, none of the prayers made by Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio party, were heard by the seven-man bench. Consequently, William Ruto was declared the president-elect and subsequently sworn into office, succeeding Uhuru Kenyatta.
Since then, Raila has continued to exert pressure on the ruling regime, seeking a review of the electoral process in the country. He is also calling on the William Ruto-led government to allow access to the IEBC servers to uncover the true winner of the August 9 contest and permanently settle the matter.
However, due to the unverified nature of the information regarding Chebukati's health condition and the medical treatment he may have received, it is uncertain what the current status of his health is.
Where is Wafula Chebukati Now?
It is not clear where is Wafula Chebukati Now as he is a Kenyan lawyer he should be in Kenya but current he is untraceable and there is no official information found about his current status. In January 2023, the tumultuous chapter of Wafula Chebukati's six-year term as the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) came to an end, along with two other commissioners, Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu.
This marked the conclusion of a period marred by resignations, as four commissioners had previously stepped down, followed by three replacements. Vice chairperson Connie Nkatha Maina and commissioners Roselyne Akombe, Paul Kurgat, and Margaret Mwachanya had all resigned after the 2017 General Election, amid concerns of a divided commission and a veil of secrecy surrounding their departures.
For Chebukati, Guliye, and Molu, the recent by-elections in Kandara, Garissa Township, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Lamu's Shella ward were perhaps their final significant assignments. Speaking in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet, Prof Guliye expressed confidence in the commission's future, stating that despite his imminent retirement, he believed the IEBC would continue to strengthen and improve, emphasizing its impartiality for the people of Kenya.
In more recent developments, three of the four commissioners who replaced their predecessors—Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, and Justus Nyang'aya—resigned last month to avoid facing the tribunal led by Justice Aggrey Muchelule, which was investigating their conduct. Commissioner Irene Masit, on the other hand, chose to face the tribunal.
The departure of Chebukati, Molu, and Guliye is expected to impact the ongoing boundary review process, which was slated for completion the following year. The collection of public opinions was scheduled to commence in the current year. The situation is further complicated by Masit awaiting the tribunal's verdict. Consequently, the electoral agency would not be legally constituted by January 18. Based on the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), the IEBC requires at least three commissioners to be considered quorate.
Is Wafula Chebukati Dead or Alive?
Wafula Chebukati is alive. Because of his law career, he is known to everyone in the world. This distinguished Kenyan lawyer with a keen interest in corporate governance, has made significant contributions throughout his career. In 2006, he founded the esteemed Nairobi-based law firm, Cootow & Associates Advocates, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to legal excellence.
Chebukati's journey has been marked by his multifaceted involvement in both law and politics. As a member of the Orange Democratic Movement, he ventured into the political arena, demonstrating his dedication to serving the people of Kenya. In 2007, he fearlessly contested the parliamentary seat for the Saboti Constituency, epitomizing his unwavering spirit in the face of challenges.
However, Chebukati's true impact on the nation came when he joined the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as its Chairperson in January 2017. This pivotal role allowed him to shape the electoral landscape of Kenya, ensuring fair and transparent elections that uphold democratic principles.
Over the course of his tenure, Chebukati oversaw three crucial elections that shaped the destiny of the nation: the 2017 Kenyan general election, the October 2017 Kenyan presidential election, and the highly significant 2022 Kenyan general election. With unwavering dedication and a profound sense of responsibility, he navigated the complexities of each electoral process, striving to uphold the integrity of the democratic system.
On January 17, 2023, the culmination of Chebukati's transformative six-year term arrived as he, alongside his esteemed colleagues, commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, bid farewell to the IEBC. Their retirement marked the end of an era characterized by their unwavering commitment to the democratic ideals of Kenya.
Throughout his remarkable journey, Chebukati's passion for law, governance, and democratic processes has shone brightly. His legacy as a leader who prioritized transparency, fairness, and the well-being of the nation will forever inspire future generations. The impact of his contributions will reverberate within the hearts of Kenyans, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's democratic journey.
Wafula Chebukati Wife
Wafula Chebukati's wife name is Mary Chebukati Wanyonyi. The Public Service Commission has announced a shortlist of 10 candidates vying for the prestigious position of chairperson of the Commission for Revenue Allocation. Among the notable names on the list is Mary Chebukati Wanyonyi, the wife of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson, Wafula Chebukati.
Joining her on the shortlist are prominent individuals such as Moses Lessonet, a former Member of Parliament for Eldama Ravine, Thomas Mwadeghu, former MP for Wundayi, and Esther Koimett, a former Broadcasting Principal Secretary. Maurice Onyango, Hussein Dima, Charles Gathuto, Paul K. Kamau, Felicity Biriri, and John Njagi complete the list of candidates.
Mary Chebukati Wanyonyi, who also applied for the position of Principal Secretary but was unsuccessful, boasts an impressive academic background. She holds a Master's degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Accounting. Additionally, she is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and a member of both the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Institute of Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (ICIFA). Her experience includes serving on the boards of the Cooperative University College, Kenyatta National Hospital, and Maasai Mara University, as well as being a certified mediator.
The successful candidate will assume the role previously held by Jane Kiringai, whose non-renewable six-year term has concluded. The Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) is an independent commission established under Article 215 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Its commissioners serve for a non-renewable term of six years.
The commission consists of a chairperson nominated by the President and approved by the National Assembly, two individuals nominated by the political parties represented in the National Assembly proportionate to their membership, and five persons nominated by the political parties represented in the Senate in proportion to their membership. The Principal Secretary of the Ministry of the National Treasury is also a commissioner.
Wafula Chebukati Children
The Chairman of the Independent Electoral Boundary Commission, Wafula Chebukati, recently expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his family as he revealed the difficulties he faced during the election period. In a touching tribute, Chebukati acknowledged the unwavering support of his children, Rachel and Emmanuel Chebukati, who took to social media to recognize their father's resilience and triumph over numerous challenges throughout the August 9 polls.
Emmanuel
Emmanuel, who is a Co-Founder and Certified Cloud Security Engineer at Hepta Analytics, graciously expressed his appreciation in response to the heartfelt tribute given by his father. Referring to him as "chairman," Emmanuel conveyed his pleasure in assisting whenever called upon. He further extended his gratitude to those within his circle who had provided similar assistance and support to the family since his father's nomination to the position of Chairman of the IEBC in 2016, starting from New Year's Eve.
Rachel
Rachel, the daughter of Chebukati and his wife Mary, holds the title of advocate of the High Court and is also a certified mediator. Despite being relatively inactive on social media, she took the opportunity to publicly express her admiration for her father, showering him with praises during the recent challenging weeks. In a tweet, Rachel conveyed her pride in her father and acknowledged the roller-coaster nature of the period they had experienced, emphasizing their reliance on God's guidance.
Jonathan
The Chebukati family, including Rachel and her brother Emmanuel, tends to maintain a low profile on social media, which is a common practice among many senior government officials who prefer to shield their family members from excessive scrutiny. Alongside Emmanuel and Rachel, Chebukati and his wife Mary have another son named Jonathan.
In a previous public appearance, Mary Chebukati requested the prayers of Kenyans for her family during the politically intense season. She acknowledged that her husband's dedication to upholding the law often resulted in his presence being seen more frequently on television than at home, emphasizing the demands of his role as the Electoral boss.
Is Wafula Chebukati Sick - FAQs
Wafula Chebukati is a Kenyan lawyer and former chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), responsible for overseeing elections in Kenya.
Wafula Chebukati served as the IEBC chairman from January 2017 to January 2023.
During his tenure, Wafula Chebukati oversaw three elections in Kenya: the 2017 Kenyan general election, the October 2017 Kenyan presidential election, and the 2022 Kenyan general election.
Yes, Wafula Chebukati faced some controversies during his tenure. In 2017, he was accused of conflicts of interest for allegedly using his law firm for contracts at the IEBC. Additionally, there were disagreements and resignations among some commissioners during his term.
Wafula Chebukati's current activities are unknown.