The late former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman, Wafula Chebukati, was widely known for his calm demeanor and commitment to public service. While his role placed him firmly in the national spotlight, he chose to keep his family life private, rarely exposing his wife and children to public attention.
Despite growing up away from the glare of cameras, Chebukati’s children have quietly built successful careers of their own, making their father proud in different professional fields. Over the years, the former IEBC boss occasionally shared heartfelt messages celebrating their academic and career milestones, offering rare glimpses into the close bond he shared with his family.
Among his children, Rachel Chebukati has emerged as an accomplished legal professional whose achievements speak for themselves.
Rachel is a Senior State Counsel, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, and a certified professional mediator. She currently serves in the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice, where she has held the position of Senior State Counsel since July 2021 following her promotion from State Counsel.
Before joining government service in June 2020, Rachel gained valuable experience in private legal practice. She worked as an Associate Advocate at Sherman Nyongesa & Mutubia Advocates before moving to Bowmans, one of Africa’s leading law firms, where she served in the Dispute Resolution Department. Her steady rise through the legal profession reflects years of dedication, discipline, and hard work.
Rachel also stood firmly by her father during one of the most challenging moments of his public life. As Wafula Chebukati presided over the highly contested 2022 presidential election, he faced immense pressure and intense public scrutiny. Throughout that difficult period, Rachel remained among the family members who offered him unwavering support as he discharged his constitutional responsibilities.
Although Wafula Chebukati’s children have achieved significant professional success, there was one deeply personal milestone they had not given their father before his passing—the opportunity to see his grandchildren. While he celebrated their educational and career accomplishments with pride, that particular family dream remained unfulfilled.
Friends and those who knew the former IEBC chairman say he was a devoted family man who treasured spending time with his loved ones whenever his demanding public responsibilities allowed. His greatest joy came from watching his children grow into responsible and accomplished professionals.
Wafula Chebukati leaves behind a legacy not only as a public servant who played a pivotal role in Kenya’s electoral history but also as a father who instilled the values of integrity, education, and perseverance in his children. Today, Rachel and her siblings continue to honor his memory by excelling in their respective careers, carrying forward the values he cherished throughout his life.
