Kenya Insights

Tag: IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati

  • Wafula Chebukati and Controversies That Rocked IEBC During His Tenure

    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.

    Wafula Chebukati

    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.

  • Nassir Sues Chebukati

    Nassir Sues Chebukati

    Mombasa ODM party gubernatorial candidate Abdulswamad Nassir has moved to court to compel the electoral body IEBC to conduct the governor elections on Tuesday as earlier announced.

    Nassir who was expected to file a petition Thursday at 9.30 am said there was no reason to postpone the election, saying the law is very clear about postponing the election.

    IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati on Wednesday evening postponed the gubernatorial elections for Mombasa and Kakamega indefinitely citing frustrations and intimidations of his officials.

    The elections were to take place on August 23 after they were cancelled on August 9 due to technicalities.

    In a statement, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati attributes the move to intimidation of IEBC staff. Chebukati has also postponed the elections of Member of National Assembly for Kitui Rural Constituency in Kitui County, Kacheliba Constituency and Pokot South Constituency in West Pokot County as well as Rongai Constituency in Nakuru County.

    Also postponed are elections of Member of County Assembly Ward in Nyaki West in North Imenti Constituency of Meru County and Kwa Njenga in Embakasi South Constituency in Nairobi County.

    The IEBC chair regretted the chaos that erupted during the announcement of the Presidential results which left some commissioners nursing injuries.

    “During the announcement of the presidential results, the Chairman Wafula Chebukati, Commissioners Prof. Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, and CS/CEO Marjan H. Marjan were physically attacked, assaulted, and injured by persons in the company of certain political leaders. We call for the arrest and prosecution of these assailants regardless of their political affiliation” he said.

    While calling for the arrest of the perpetrators, Chebukati said his staff were fearing for their lives as such could not report for duty.

    “The Commission is concerned that some of its critical staff who objectively and impartially performed their duties at the National Tallying Centre are being intimidated and harassed through profiling and/or arbitrary arrests. This has instilled fear within the staff, who are now unable to report to the office for duty. This harassment must stop forthwith” he stated.

    “In view of the prevailing circumstances, the Commission has postponed the by-elections slated for 23rd August 2022, to a date to be announced through a gazette notice” he announced.

    The United Democratic Alliance – UDA Mombasa Gubernatorial candidate Hassan Omar and his Deputy Selina Maitha are set to address a presser on the same at the Party’s Headquarters, The Hustler Centre, Nyali.

  • IEBC To Block Politicians Participating In Harambees From Contesting In 2022

    IEBC To Block Politicians Participating In Harambees From Contesting In 2022

    Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has revealed that it will bar political aspirates participating in a fundraiser from running for political seats.

    Speaking during a virtual meeting with the Senate Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on Wednesday, IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati revealed that aspirants will not be allowed to participate either by contribution or attendance in a fundraiser after December 9, 2021.

    According to Chebukati, those found conducting Harambees after the said date will be found guilty of committing an electoral offence therefore they will be barred from vying in the next year’s elections.

    “On the issue of harambees, after December 9, it becomes an election offence,” Chebukati told the committee.

    “A person who directly or indirectly participates in any manner in public fundraising within 8 months preceding a general election or during the election period will be disqualified from contesting in the election held during the election year,” he added.

    Chebukati said that the Commission will work with security agencies including the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) to ensure those politicians found breaking the law are brought into the book.

    He said that the move to ban the fundraisers is a way of curbing aspirants from influencing voters through their contributions.

    The IEBC chairperson, however, allowed politicians to hold fundraisers for their own campaigns.

    “Exception however from subsection 2 of section 26 of the IEBC Act, aspirants are allowed to hold a party or individual fundraisers for their campaigns,” he said.

  • SH1B Ballot Tender War Rocks IEBC

    SH1B Ballot Tender War Rocks IEBC

    A row has erupted at the electoral agency over a plan to award Greek firm Inform Lykos (HELLAS) SA a Sh1 billion tender to print next year’s general election ballot papers.

    Just a day after the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) tender committee picked Lykos, insiders now point to a vicious fight that has sucked in Commission staff and some of the bidders.

    Already, an explosive e-mail has been circulated pointing at alleged irregularities in the procurement process.

    The e-mail signed by a man, who identifies himself as N Githinji accuses a senior IEBC staff of colluding with Lykos to clinch the tender while locking out other more qualified bidders.

    A decision to award the Greek firm the tender has also once again dashed the hopes of local firms that had hoped that the commission will heed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s call to promote local businesses.

    IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati downplayed the storm yesterday, saying the tender has not been officially awarded and thus the commission was not fully briefed as this was an ongoing exercise.

    “The procurement process is still ongoing and no report has been made to me or the Commission Plenary to date,” Chebukati said.

    He noted that the IEBC secretariat led by Marjan Hussein Marjan will issue a response on the allegations.  By the time of filing the story, Marjan was yet to issue a statement or respond to our inquiry.

    In the email copied to all IEBC commissioners and 12 bidders who applied for the tender, Githinji claims that most of the staff who travelled to Greece to conduct due diligence did not include individuals with technical knowhow including experts from Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs).

    Those who travelled to Athens include Silas Njeru – Chairman (from IT department), Abdidahir Abdi – member (voter registration and elections), B Lewa – member (IT department, Miss Victoria – member (finance), Miss Elizabeth Abegi – Member (Procurement) and Gideon Balang – member (Elections).

    He further claims that IEBC did not use the official channels in dispatching the due diligence team to Greece but rather used a private entity to arrange the tickets and accommodation.

    It has also emerged that a representative of the Greek firm Khalid Moulalbab, who is the Regional Sales Manager, Middle East and Africa for Inform-Lykos and based in Dubai, worked formerly with Al Ghurair of Dubai that printed 2017 ballot papers.

    Past connections 

    He worked as a Sales and Marketing Manager for Al Ghurair before moving to Lykos suggesting that he could have used his past connections to sway the tender in favour of the latter firm.

    There are also claims IEBC deliberately delayed to send the notification to bidders by mail and instead sued post, which may lock out disgruntled bidders from appealing the decision.

    Following an evaluation process, the commission has settled on Greece based Inform Lykos (HELLAS) SA at €7,172.85 (about Sh925 million) at the exchange rate of Sh129.

    The amount according to estimates may rise to Sh2.8 billion if Inform Lykos (HELLAS) SA that beat 12 other firms to emerge as the lowest evaluated bidder signs the deal.

     They include Al Ghurair Printing that was controversially awarded the same tender for the 2017 General Election.

    According to the tender report, Al Ghurair Printing was knocked out at the technical stage for failing to meet the 40 per cent local content plan. It’s not clear if Lykos that does not have a local address has picked a local partner to meet the threshold of 40 per cent local content.

    Others who lost include UK’s Go Inspire Solutions $7,392.71 (about Sh813 million) for failing submit notarised/certified audited accounts for 2018/19, South Africa’s Uniprint PTY ltd that did not indicate its price,  Ghanaian Aerovote Security Print and Electoral Supply, UAE’s Masar printing and publishing and Dubai’s United Printing Publishing LLC, UAE.

    Others UK’s Tall Security Print Limited that had quoted £3889.1 (about Sh580 million) that was knocked out for failing of provide ISO certification, Kenya’s Africa Infrastructure Development Company that failed to submit duly filled forms, India’s Seshaasai Business forms PVT Ltd that failed to duly fill the local content plan form and Kenyan firm Kwanginsa Co Ltd that filed to include tender security of Sh20 million.

    Aggrieved bidder 

    Local form Ellams Products that was said to be one of the most qualified was locked out on grounds of failing to provide notarised/certified copies of ISO certification.

    The tender was opened on 10th September 2021 at Anniversary Towers. The Committed was chaired by Jacktone Nyonje while Samson Matilu was listed as secretary and Benjamin Kimwei, Helen Kahindi and Boniface Gathee as members.

    Already the bidders have received their regret letters with sources indicating that one of the international bidders is palling to contest the award at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB).

    “The commission hereby, regrets to inform you that your tender was unsuccessful for failure to submit a notarised/certified ISO certificate or its equivalent for security printing for a recognised authority,” a regret letter sent to one of international bidders reads in part.

    Marjan in his regret letter dated October 14, 2021 has asked the unsuccessful bidders to seek debriefing during the notification period or submit a procurement complaint at the PPARB.

    According to its website, Lykos  (HELLAS) SA is located in Koropi, Greece and is part of the Printing and Related Support Activities Industry and has 170 employees at this location and generates $33.41 million in sales. There are 17 companies in the INFORM LYKOS (HELLAS) SA corporate family.

    In 2017, IEBC picked Al Ghurair for the lucrative deal, a move that saw several cases filed in court almost threatening to derail the then presidential election.

    The tender is titled; Supply and Delivery of Ballot Papers; Register of Voters; Statutory Election Result Declaration Forms to be used at the Polling Station; Election and Referendum Result Declaration Forms to be used at the Constituency, County and National Tallying Centre

    If dissatisfied bidders opt to contest the award, then the country is likely to witness once again fierce fight for the lucrative deal that almost derailed elections in 2017 as the court nullified the tender awarded to Al Ghurair.