Former IEBC Chair Engineer Abdullahi Sharawe dies / HANDOUT
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned the death of former commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Eng. Abdullahi Sharawe.
The former president described him as a distinguished public servant who made significant contributions to Kenya's governance and democratic institutions.
Uhuru said he received news of Sharawe's passing with profound sadness and conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family, friends and colleagues.
"Eng. Sharawe served our nation with distinction in both government and as commissioner 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 said.
"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.”
Sharawe served in government as the chairperson of the Public Service Commission between 1999 and 2005 and later served as a commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairperson Francis Meja led the commission in mourning the death of its former PSC Chairperson Sharawe, describing him as a principled leader whose legacy transformed Kenya's public service.
Meja said Sharawe served as chairperson of the commission from 1999 to 2005 with exemplary dedication, integrity and an unwavering commitment to public service.
"It is with profound sadness that I learnt of the death of Eng. Mohamed Abdullahi Sharawe, a distinguished public servant and former Chairperson of the Public Service Commission," Meja said.
He noted that during his tenure, Sharawe provided visionary leadership that strengthened the commission's constitutional mandate of promoting merit, professionalism and integrity in Kenya's public service.
According to Meja, Sharawe's leadership was particularly significant during Kenya's historic 2002 political transition, when the country witnessed its first peaceful transfer of power under a multi-party democratic system.
"At a defining moment in the nation's history, he guided the commission with steadiness, impartiality and professionalism, helping to ensure continuity, stability and confidence in the public service during a period of profound national change," he said.
Meja added that Sharawe's calm demeanour and principled leadership remain an enduring example of how strong public institutions safeguard the nation during times of transition.
Beyond the Public Service Commission, Meja said Sharawe served as Permanent Secretary in various ministries before taking up other national assignments, including serving as a commissioner of the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission and later as a commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
"Eng. Sharawe devoted his life to the service of our nation. During his tenure as Chair of the Commission and subsequently as a Commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, he continued to serve the nation with diligence, professionalism and unwavering patriotism," Meja said.
He said Sharawe's life was defined by honour, humility and selfless service, adding that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability and excellence.
