Wafula Chebukati: The Man Who Steered Kenya’s Elections Through Storms and Scandals

 

A Legacy of Reforms, Controversies, and Unfinished Business

 Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati was no ordinary man. As the chairman of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from 2017 to 2023, he became a central figure in some of the country’s most hotly contested elections. Depending on who you ask, he was either a champion of electoral transparency or a partisan referee who left the nation divided. His tenure was marked by bold reforms, dramatic fallouts, and accusations that shook Kenya’s democracy to its core.

From the Courtroom to the Ballot Box

Born in 1961, Chebukati built his career in law, earning a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Nairobi before joining the Kenya School of Law. He later added an MBA from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to his credentials. Before politics, he ran a successful law firm, Cootow & Associates Advocates, specializing in corporate and commercial law.

In 2007, he briefly dabbled in politics, running for the Saboti parliamentary seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He lost but remained a keen observer of Kenya’s political landscape. Little did he know that a decade later, he would be at the center of the most controversial elections in the country’s history.

The IEBC Era: Triumphs and Tensions

2017 Elections: A Historic Annulment

When Chebukati took over as IEBC chairman in January 2017, he inherited a commission already under scrutiny. The August 2017 general election saw President Uhuru Kenyatta declared the winner, but the opposition, led by Raila Odinga, challenged the results in court. In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court nullified the election, citing irregularities and illegalities. It was the first time in Africa that a presidential election had been overturned by a court.

This decision painted Chebukati as either a weak chairman who allowed a flawed election or a leader caught in the crossfire of Kenya’s deep political divisions. The repeat election, boycotted by Odinga, was marred by violence and a low voter turnout, further denting IEBC’s credibility.

2022 Elections: The “Cherera Four” Fallout

If 2017 was tough, 2022 was war. As the country prepared for another election, Chebukati promised a more transparent process. His commission introduced an online portal where Kenyans could view polling station results in real time. The move was widely praised, but it did not prevent controversy.

When Chebukati declared William Ruto the winner, four IEBC commissioners, led by Vice Chair Juliana Cherera, rejected the results, citing “opaqueness” in the final tally. The split within the commission was unprecedented, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the process. Ultimately, the Supreme Court upheld Ruto’s win, but the damage to public trust was done.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

His Achievements

Transparency Measures: Chebukati championed digital access to election results, a move that allowed Kenyans to track votes in real time.

Defending the Commission: Despite immense political pressure, he stood his ground, insisting that the elections were credible.

Setting Legal Precedents: Under his leadership, Kenya witnessed the first annulment of a presidential election, reinforcing judicial independence.

The Criticisms

Leadership Style: His tenure saw the resignation and fallout of multiple commissioners, exposing a fractured IEBC.

Perceived Bias: Opposition figures accused him of favoring certain candidates, particularly in the 2022 elections.

Handling of Internal Disputes: The public feud with the “Cherera Four” damaged IEBC’s credibility and deepened political divisions.

Final Verdict: Hero or Villain?

Wafula Chebukati’s legacy is a mix of reformist efforts and political firestorms. To his supporters, he was a defender of democracy who resisted external interference. To his critics, he was a compromised figure who oversaw controversial elections. One thing is certain—his name will remain etched in Kenya’s electoral history for decades to come.

What do you think? Was Chebukati a fearless reformer or just another political player in Kenya’s high-s

takes game? Share your thoughts in the comments!