Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Mohamed Abdullahi Sharawe has died.
The news has been made public by Eldas Member of Parliament (MP) Adan Keynan, who also paid a glowing tribute to the former public servant.
Profound sorrow
“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 in a statement on July 20, 2026.
“Throughout his illustrious career spanning decades, Eng. Sharawe served the country with exceptional distinction. He held several high-ranking positions in government, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Roads and Public Works and later in the Ministry of Research, Technical Training and Applied Technology during the 1980s under President Daniel arap Moi and later served as PS in the Ministry of Research, Technical Training and Applied Technology during the 1990s, where he provided visionary leadership, prudent stewardship, and strategic direction in advancing technical education, infrastructure development, industrial growth and national development.
“His professionalism, diligence and dedication to excellence earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues and citizens alike.”
Experienced public servant
Keynan added that Sharawe’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey remains deeply etched in our nation’s history.
“As a Commissioner of both the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission (IIBRC) and the inaugural Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), he played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s electoral and boundary management framework, laying a firm foundation for constitutional governance,” he added.
“His exemplary service to the nation extended beyond these roles. In 2009, he was appointed by President Mwai Kibaki to chair the Special Presidential Committee on Muslim Concerns, where he led efforts to evaluate and address key civil, administrative, and socio-economic issues affecting the Muslim community, further demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity, justice and national cohesion. He also served with distinction as Chairman of the Public Service Commission, where he championed professionalism, integrity and excellence within nation’s public service.”
Champion of peace
The MP also highlighted the roles the former IEBC commissioner played in conflict resolution and fostering inter-community unity.
“Beyond his remarkable public service, Sharawe was a wise and dependable elder whose counsel united communities, guided leaders and inspired generations. His calm disposition, ethical leadership and steadfast commitment to nation-building made him a towering figure whose legacy will continue to inspire present and future generations,” Keynan said.
“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life of honour, patriotism and selfless service. His legacy reminds us that true leadership is measured not by the offices one occupies, but by the institutions strengthened, the values upheld and the lives touched.”
