Chebukati battled brain cancer, underwent 2 surgeries before fatal cardiac arrest, family reveals
Nyongesa dismissed rumours that had circulated on social media alleging that Chebukati had been clinically dead before his passing.
Former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati was diagnosed with brain cancer and underwent two surgeries before his health took a critical turn, family spokesperson Eric Nyongesa has revealed.
Addressing the media on Monday, Nyongesa said Chebukati suffered a cardiac arrest on Thursday night and passed away at a Nairobi hospital after battling a long illness.
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He was 63 years old.
According to Nyongesa, Chebukati was diagnosed with brain cancer in April 2023, three months after concluding his tenure at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“As a result, he underwent two surgeries since the tumour kept recurring. At the time of his death, the family was contemplating whether to go for a third surgery,” Nyongesa said.
Upon his initial diagnosis, Nyongesa said he was flown to Germany for treatment, where he remained until June 2023. After returning home, he resumed his normal life. However, in April 2024, the tumour re-emerged, and he was again flown to Germany, where he underwent treatment for four months before returning to Kenya in August.
Nyongesa noted that Chebukati’s condition remained stable for over three months but the tumour resurfaced for the third time. From mid-December 2024 to early January 2025, he was hospitalised before being taken home as the family considered alternative treatment options.
Chest complications
“On February 12, he visited the hospital for an assessment and was diagnosed with chest complications. Three days later, he was admitted to the intensive care unit. He was there for five days, and on the fifth night, he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed on at 11:35 pm,” Nyongesa said.
The family’s statement comes as Kenyans reacted with mixed emotions following the announcement of his death.
Nyongesa dismissed rumours that had circulated on social media alleging that Chebukati had been clinically dead before his passing.
"At no time was the immediate family called upon and informed he was clinically dead," he said.
The family has scheduled a post-mortem for either Tuesday or Wednesday. His burial is expected to take place on Saturday, March 8, in Sabata, Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.
Chebukati, a lawyer by profession, was appointed as IEBC chairperson by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2017. His six-year tenure ended on January 17, 2023.
President William Ruto mourned him as a principled and diligent leader who served the country with integrity.
“I have received the news of the passing of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Wafula Chebukati with profound sorrow. Chebukati was a principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity,” Ruto said.
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