Leaders Mourn as Former IEBC Commissioner Dies

Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Eng. Mohammed Abdullahi Sharawe has died.

His death was confirmed on Monday, July 20, by Mandera Senator Mohamed Mohamud, who paid an emotional tribute to the former electoral commissioner, describing him as a close friend, classmate and colleague.

“I have received with profound sadness the news of the passing of my dear friend, classmate, and colleague, Eng. Abdullahi M. H. Sharawe, who passed away this morning,” Senator Mohamud said in a statement shared on social media.

The cause of Sharawe’s death had not been made public by the time of publication.

Leaders pay tribute

Tributes continued to pour in from political leaders following the announcement of his death, with Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan describing the late Sharawe as a distinguished public servant whose legacy would be remembered for years to come.

“It is with profound sorrow that I join the nation in mourning the passing of Eng. Mohamed Abdullahi Sharawe, a distinguished statesman, accomplished engineer and an enviable elder whose life was defined by integrity, humility and unwavering commitment to public service,” Keynan said.

The legislator praised the former IEBC commissioner for serving the country with dedication in the various public offices he held throughout his career.

Served at the IEBC

Sharawe was among the commissioners who served at Kenya’s electoral agency during one of the country’s most politically significant periods.

During his tenure at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, he participated in the oversight of electoral processes and reforms aimed at strengthening Kenya’s democratic institutions.

Before joining the electoral commission, Sharawe built a distinguished career as an engineer and public administrator, earning respect across both government and professional circles.

Colleagues often described him as a calm, principled, and diligent public servant who approached his responsibilities with professionalism.

Public service legacy

Beyond his role at the IEBC, Sharawe served in various capacities within government, contributing to public administration and national development.

Leaders who worked with him remembered him as a man committed to integrity, fairness and service to the nation.

His death comes at a time when the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is preparing for the 2027 General Election following the appointment of a new team of commissioners.

Messages of condolence continued to emerge throughout Monday, with leaders from across the political divide expressing sympathy to Sharawe’s family, friends and the people of Mandera.

Many described him as a respected elder whose contribution to public service extended beyond politics and elections.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in accordance with Islamic traditions.

Sharawe leaves behind a legacy of public service spanning engineering, governance and electoral management, with leaders saying his commitment to integrity and nation-building will be remembered for years to come.