Who is Wafula Chebukati? Understanding His Legacy in Kenya’s Electoral System
Source: People Daily
Wafula Chebukati is a prominent figure in Kenya’s electoral history, having served as the Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from 2017 to 2023. His tenure was marked by significant electoral reforms, high-stakes elections, and controversies that shaped Kenya’s democratic landscape. This article explores Chebukati’s early life, professional journey, leadership at IEBC, key reforms, challenges, and his overall legacy in Kenya’s electoral system.
Early Life and Education
Source: Nairobi News
Born in Bungoma County, Wafula Chebukati pursued his education with a strong focus on law and governance. He attended St. Peters Mumias High School before proceeding to the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree. He later enrolled at the Kenya School of Law and was admitted to the bar as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
Professional Journey Before IEBC
Before his appointment as IEBC Chairperson, Chebukati built a distinguished career in law and governance. He founded Cootow & Associates Advocates, a firm specializing in commercial and corporate law. His legal background equipped him with the expertise required to handle the complex electoral laws and disputes that he would later encounter as IEBC Chairman. Additionally, he had a brief stint in politics, contesting the Saboti parliamentary seat in 2007 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) but lost.
Appointment and Initial Challenges
Chebukati was appointed as the Chairman of IEBC in January 2017, a critical time when Kenya was preparing for the highly anticipated 2017 General Elections. His tenure began amidst skepticism, given the controversies surrounding his predecessor and the credibility of electoral processes in the country.
2017 General Elections and Supreme Court Nullification
Source: AI Jazeera
The 2017 General Elections were a major test for Chebukati’s leadership. After the elections, the opposition, led by Raila Odinga, challenged the presidential results in the Supreme Court, citing irregularities and illegalities. In an unprecedented ruling, the Supreme Court nullified the presidential election, citing widespread irregularities in the results transmission system. This decision put immense pressure on IEBC to conduct a fresh election within 60 days
Despite resistance from the opposition and internal conflicts within IEBC, Chebukati oversaw the repeat presidential election on October 26, 2017, which was boycotted by the opposition and led to Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election.
2022 General Elections: A Defining Moment
Source: Asaase Radio
The 2022 General Elections were perhaps the most significant moment in Chebukati’s tenure. With the contest between Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, tensions were high. Amid accusations of vote manipulation and attempts to interfere with results, Chebukati stood firm, announcing William Ruto as the President-elect despite dissent from a faction of IEBC commissioners.
The election results were challenged in the Supreme Court, but this time, the court upheld the results, reaffirming IEBC’s credibility. Chebukati was praised for his firmness and commitment to electoral integrity, though critics accused him of bias.
Key Electoral Reforms Under Chebukati
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
During his tenure, Chebukati spearheaded several reforms to enhance Kenya’s electoral process, including:
1. Adoption of Technology in Elections
Chebukati emphasized the use of technology in elections, particularly through the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) for biometric voter registration and electronic transmission of results. This helped reduce cases of voter impersonation and electoral fraud.
2. Strengthening Voter Registration and Audit Processes
Under his leadership, IEBC conducted mass voter registration drives and undertook independent audits of the voter register to enhance transparency and eliminate ghost voters.
3. Improved Transparency in Election Result Transmission
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2017, Chebukati ensured that election results were streamed live on IEBC’s portal, allowing the public to monitor tallying in real-time. This played a crucial role in fostering trust in the 2022 elections.
4. Implementation of Legal and Institutional Reforms
Chebukati engaged Parliament and other stakeholders to push for reforms that improved the electoral framework, including amendments to the Election Laws Act.
Controversies and Challenges
Internal Conflicts Within IEBC
Chebukati’s tenure was marked by divisions within IEBC. In 2018, three commissioners resigned, citing lack of confidence in his leadership. A similar internal crisis emerged in 2022 when four commissioners distanced themselves from the presidential results, further fueling political tensions.
Allegations of External Interference
Chebukati often cited interference from political forces attempting to influence election outcomes. He notably claimed that he was pressured by senior government officials to alter the 2022 presidential results but refused to comply.
Handling of Post-Election Violence and Protests
His tenure saw multiple protests and instances of election-related violence. The 2017 post-election period was particularly tense, with opposition-led protests and fatalities reported in clashes with security forces.
Chebukati’s Legacy in Kenya’s Electoral System
Impact on Electoral Integrity and Democracy
Chebukati’s leadership played a crucial role in strengthening Kenya’s electoral process. Despite facing immense political pressure, he upheld the rule of law and oversaw two historic presidential elections, one of which was nullified and another that cemented IEBC’s credibility.
Upholding Independence of Electoral Institutions
By resisting external influence and ensuring transparent election processes, Chebukati set a precedent for the independence of electoral commissions in Kenya and beyond.
Advancing the Use of Technology in Elections
The integration of technology under Chebukati’s leadership reduced electoral malpractices and enhanced public confidence in digital election processes.
Challenges in Restoring Public Trust
While he introduced reforms, Chebukati’s tenure was also marked by deep political divisions, which continued to erode trust in IEBC. His legacy remains a subject of debate, with some praising his firmness and others questioning his impartiality.
Conclusion
Wafula Chebukati remains one of Kenya’s most consequential electoral officials. His leadership at IEBC was characterized by bold decisions, institutional reforms, and resilience in the face of political pressure. While his tenure faced controversies and internal wrangles, his contributions to strengthening Kenya’s electoral system cannot be overlooked. As Kenya moves forward, the lessons from his tenure will shape the country’s democratic future.
Reference:
IEBC Official Website – https://www.iebc.or.ke/
Kenya Law Reports – https://kenyalaw.org/
Supreme Court Rulings on Elections – https://www.judiciary.go.ke/
Daily Nation – Election Reports – https://nation.africa/
The Standard – Political Analysis – https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/
