Uhuru mourns former IEBC commissioner Abdullahi Sharawe
By Faith Lagat, July 20, 2026Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has paid tribute to Mohamed Abdullahi Sharawe, remembering him as a dedicated public servant who served Kenya in government and electoral institutions.
In a condolence message shared on X by the Office of the Fourth President on Monday, July 20, 2026, Uhuru expressed sorrow over Sharawe’s death and extended his sympathies to the family.
“It is with profound sadness that I have received the news of the passing of Eng. Abdulahi Sharawe,” Uhuru’s message read in part.
The retired Head of State recognised Sharawe’s contribution to public service over the years.
“Eng. Sharawe served our nation with distinction in both government and as Chair of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). His unwavering commitment to public service and his dedication to strengthening our democratic institutions will be remembered with gratitude and respect.”
Uhuru also conveyed his condolences to those who worked with and knew Sharawe.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. May the Almighty grant them comfort, strength, and peace during this difficult time, and may Eng. Sharawe’s soul rest in eternal peace.”
Distinguished career in public service
News of Sharawe’s death was first announced by Eldas MP Adan Keynan, who described him as a distinguished leader whose career was marked by integrity and service.
“A distinguished statesman, accomplished engineer and an enviable elder whose life was defined by integrity, humility and unwavering commitment to public service,” Keynan said.
Sharawe served in senior government positions under the administrations of Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki.
During the 1980s, he was appointed permanent secretary in the Ministry of Roads and Public Works, where he played a role in infrastructure development. He later served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Research, Technical Training and Applied Technology, contributing to policies aimed at strengthening technical education and industrial development.
Role in electoral reforms
Sharawe later became involved in Kenya’s electoral reform process following the 2007 General Election.
He served as a commissioner at the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission (IIBRC), which reviewed electoral boundaries as part of the constitutional reform process.
He was subsequently appointed among the inaugural commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), helping establish the institution created under the 2010 Constitution.
Beyond electoral management, President Mwai Kibaki appointed him in 2009 to chair the Special Presidential Committee on Muslim Concerns, which examined civil, administrative and socio-economic issues affecting the Muslim community.
He also served as Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, where he contributed to efforts aimed at strengthening professionalism and ethics in the public service.
As tributes continue to pour in, leaders have remembered Sharawe for his contribution to public administration, infrastructure development and Kenya’s democratic institutions, describing him as a leader whose legacy will endure through the institutions he helped build.