Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Mohammed Abdullahi Sharawe has passed away, prompting an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, colleagues, and Kenyans who remembered his decades of public service.
His death was confirmed on Monday, July 20, by Mandera Senator Mohamed Mohamud through a heartfelt social media statement.
“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 wrote.
The cause of Sharawe’s death has not yet been disclosed.
At the time of publication, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had not released an official statement regarding the passing of its former commissioner.
Leaders Mourn Mohammed Abdullahi Sharawe
Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan also confirmed the news, describing Sharawe as a respected public servant whose leadership left a lasting impact on Kenya.
“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 respected elder whose life was defined by integrity, humility and unwavering commitment to public service,” Keynan said.
Condolence messages quickly spread across social media, with many Kenyans remembering Sharawe for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to serving the nation.
Mohammed Abdullahi Sharawe’s Career
Mohammed Abdullahi Sharawe enjoyed a long and distinguished career in Kenya’s public service.
He previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Roads and Public Works, where he oversaw key infrastructure initiatives. He later became the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Research, Technical Training and Applied Technology during the administration of former President Daniel arap Moi, contributing to the growth of technical education and research.
Sharawe also played an important role in Kenya’s electoral reforms.
He first served as a commissioner of the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission (IIBRC) before becoming one of the inaugural commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
In 2009, former President Mwai Kibaki appointed him to chair the Special Presidential Committee on Muslim Concerns, where he worked to address issues affecting Kenya’s Muslim community.
He also served as Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, championing reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability, and integrity within the public service.
Death Comes Weeks After IEBC Official Betty Rotich’s Passing
Sharawe’s death comes only weeks after the death of IEBC official Betty Rotich, sister to former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich.
Betty Rotich died on July 3 following a road accident along the Londiani–Kericho section of the Nakuru–Eldoret Highway. Her family later confirmed that funeral preparations had begun at their home in Kaptagat.
The passing of Sharawe marks another significant loss for Kenya’s electoral and public service institutions, with many leaders remembering him as a dedicated administrator whose contributions helped shape governance and public administration in the country.