Wafula Chebukati: The steadfast guardian of Kenya’s Democracy or a Divisive Figure?

Wafula Chebukati, the former Chairman of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), passed away today, leaving behind a legacy that is as celebrated as it is contested. To some, he was a symbol of resilience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the democratic process. To others, he was a controversial figure accused of bias and unfairness, particularly in his handling of elections involving ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Chebukati’s tenure at the helm of the electoral body was marked by relentless political pressure, internal strife, and external threats. While many laud his steadfastness, critics argue that his decisions during the 2017 and 2022 elections deepened Kenya’s political divisions.

Chebukati’s journey to the IEBC was anything but straightforward. A former staunch member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), he had once vied for a parliamentary seat on the party’s ticket. However, his political allegiance shifted in 2017 when he left the party, a move that would later define his career as an impartial arbiter of Kenya’s elections—or, as his detractors claim, a betrayer of the opposition.

Described as the proverbial “cat with nine lives,” Chebukati’s public demeanor often belied his inner strength. While he appeared timid to some, those who worked closely with him knew him as a firm and resolute leader. This duality perhaps misled the UhuRuto administration (a coalition of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto) into appointing him as IEBC chairman in 2016. At the time, Chebukati had been ranked second by the selection panel, trailing behind Tukero ole Kina, who scored 79% to Chebukati’s 63%. Yet, the government chose him, possibly viewing him as more amenable to their interests.

Little did they know that Chebukati would prove to be anything but pliable—or, as his critics argue, that he would become a central figure in Kenya’s most contentious elections.

A Trial by Fire: The 2017 Elections

Chebukati’s tenure at the IEBC was a baptism by fire. Barely a year into his appointment, the 2017 general elections plunged the country into a political maelstrom. The period was fraught with tension, and many believed Chebukati would buckle under the immense pressure. Yet, he held firm—though not without controversy.

The murder of his colleague, Chris Msando, the commission’s ICT manager, sent shockwaves through the nation. Msando’s death, which occurred just days before the election, was widely seen as an attempt to destabilize the electoral process. It forced Commissioner Roselyn Akombe to flee the country, fearing for her life. Many expected Chebukati to follow suit, but he stood his ground.

However, the 2017 elections were marred by allegations of irregularities, particularly from Raila Odinga and his supporters. Odinga claimed that the election had been rigged in favor of President Uhuru Kenyatta, and the Supreme Court’s subsequent annulment of the presidential results seemed to vindicate his claims. Critics accused Chebukati of failing to ensure a transparent process, with some alleging that he had turned a blind eye to glaring anomalies.

Chebukati’s defenders argue that he was caught in an impossible situation, with limited time and resources to conduct a flawless election. His critics, however, maintain that his handling of the 2017 polls laid the groundwork for the mistrust that would plague his tenure.

Surviving the Storm: The 2018 Rebellion

Chebukati’s resilience was tested again in 2018 when the government, seemingly intent on ousting him, orchestrated a rebellion within the commission. Vice Chair Connie Nkatha Maina and several other commissioners resigned in a coordinated move aimed at incapacitating the IEBC and forcing Chebukati’s exit.

However, Chebukati refused to be cowed. He continued to steer the commission as if nothing had happened, even as the embattled commissioners attempted to sneak back into their offices. To their surprise, they found the locks changed—a symbolic gesture of Chebukati’s determination to protect the commission’s independence. The government, which had incited the rebellion, could do little to reverse the situation. The resigned commissioners were later offered diplomatic postings, a soft landing that underscored the futility of their efforts to undermine Chebukati.

While this episode bolstered Chebukati’s reputation as a steadfast leader, his critics argue that it also highlighted his authoritarian tendencies. Some within the IEBC accused him of sidelining dissenting voices and centralizing power, further eroding trust in the commission.

The 2022 Crucible: A Legacy of Controversy

Perhaps the most tumultuous period of Chebukati’s tenure came during the 2022 general elections. Following the defeat of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who blamed poor mobilization in his strongholds for his loss, there was a concerted effort to pressure Chebukati into altering the results.

High-ranking state officials reportedly used threats and inducements to sway him, even attempting to instigate a crisis within the commission to isolate him. Yet, Chebukati remained unmoved. He refused to follow in the footsteps of Samuel Kivuitu, the former Electoral Commission of Kenya chairman who was accused of doctoring results in favor of the establishment during the controversial 2007 elections.

Chebukati’s steadfastness in the face of immense pressure was a testament to his character. A weaker chair might have succumbed to the threats or been swayed by the lucrative offers dangled before him. But Chebukati stood firm, ensuring that the will of the people prevailed—or so his supporters claim.

His critics, however, paint a different picture. They argue that Chebukati’s handling of the 2022 elections was deeply flawed, with allegations of voter suppression, mismanagement of technology, and bias against Raila Odinga. Odinga’s supporters point to the low voter turnout in his strongholds, which they attribute to deliberate sabotage by the IEBC under Chebukati’s leadership.

Division Within the IEBC: The 2022 Fallout

The 2022 elections also exposed deep divisions within the IEBC itself. Four commissioners—Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Irene Masit, and Justus Nyangaya—publicly disowned the presidential results announced by Chebukati. In a hastily arranged press briefing at Serena Hotel, they accused Chebukati of handling the final phase of the election in an opaque manner.

“We have done the 2022 general election in the most efficient manner. We have ensured that all the challenges have been contained,” Commissioner Juliana Cherera said. “But some things need to be put out there. As you can see, the four of us are here and not at Bomas where the results are going to be announced because of the opaque nature of how this phase has been handled. We therefore cannot take ownership of this result that is going to be announced.”

Cherera urged Kenyans to remain peaceful and seek legal redress, stating, “The rule of law is going to prevail.”

This public rift within the IEBC further fueled allegations of impropriety and deepened the mistrust surrounding the electoral process. Critics argued that Chebukati’s unilateral approach to announcing the results undermined the commission’s credibility and raised questions about the integrity of the election.

A Legacy of Integrity or Division?

Wafula Chebukati’s tenure as IEBC chairman was marked by relentless challenges, yet he emerged as a polarizing figure in Kenya’s political landscape. To his supporters, he was a beacon of integrity who withstood immense pressure to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process. To his detractors, he was a controversial figure whose decisions deepened Kenya’s political divisions and undermined trust in the democratic process.

In a country where electoral commissions have often been accused of capitulating to political interests, Chebukati’s legacy is a reminder of the complexities of leadership in a deeply polarized society. He may have been a man of few words, but his actions sparked intense debate and left an indelible mark on Kenya’s history.

As Kenya mourns his passing, Wafula Chebukati will be remembered not just as a public servant, but as a figure who embodied both the promise and the perils of Kenya’s democracy. May he rest in peace.