President William Ruto has praised former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati for what he described as intelligence, courage, and unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles.
Speaking during Chebukati’s funeral at his Sabata home in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, Ruto hailed Chebukati as a man of integrity who set a high standard in electoral management and democracy in Kenya.
He highlighted how Chebukati remained steadfast and incorruptible despite intense pressure and attempts to manipulate the results of the 2022 General Elections.
“Wafula Chebukati was intelligent, courageous, and a man of integrity. He could not be threatened or blackmailed. He could not be compromised or bribed. He discharged his duty with integrity. When the history of this country is written, he will not be a footnote or a chapter; he will be a whole book. He went through great intimidation. He announced the elections under great difficulty,” Ruto expressed.
According to Ruto, Chebukati’s resilience in the face of intimidation made him a respectable figure in Kenya’s electoral history.
To honor Chebukati’s contributions, Ruto announced plans to rename a nearby school and establish an ICT institution in his memory, recognizing his role in ensuring electoral integrity in the country.
“Powerful people from the security sector went to Bomas and tried to change the election of 2022 with money and power. He has set the standards on integrity on handling elections. Ile shule iko hapa karibu tutaibadilisha jina na kujenga shule ya ICT in honour of Chebukati,” Ruto added.
Chebukati’s death
Chebukati passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital. His family revealed that he had been undergoing medical care at home before being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition. However, the exact cause of his death remains unconfirmed.
Chebukati led the IEBC from January 2017 to January 2023. His leadership faced a major test during the 2017 general elections when the Supreme Court annulled the presidential results due to irregularities. This unprecedented decision led to a repeat election, which opposition leader Raila Odinga and his National Super Alliance (NASA) boycotted, citing concerns over electoral credibility.
In 2022, Chebukati once again found himself at the center of a fiercely contested election. Despite immense pressure, he oversaw an election in which William Ruto was declared the winner.