Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Mohamed Abdullahi Sharawe has passed away.
His death was confirmed by Mandera Senator Mohamed Mohamud, who shared a condolence message on social media on Monday, July 20.
Senator Mohamud described Sharawe as a close friend, classmate and colleague, expressing deep sadness following his passing.
“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.
The cause of Sharawe’s death had not been established at the time of publication.
The IEBC had not yet released an official statement regarding the death of the former commissioner.
Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan also confirmed Sharawe’s passing, describing him as a respected statesman, engineer and elder whose life was marked by integrity, humility and dedication to public service.
"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 stated.
Tributes continued to pour in from members of the public, with many remembering Sharawe for his contribution to Kenya’s public service and offering prayers and condolences to his family.
Sharawe had a long career in government, serving in several senior positions before joining Kenya’s electoral management institutions.
He previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Roads and Public Works before heading the Ministry of Research, Technical Training and Applied Technology during the administration of former President Daniel arap Moi.
During his time in government, Sharawe played a role in advancing infrastructure development and promoting technical education.
He later became involved in Kenya’s electoral reform process, serving as a commissioner at the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission (IIBRC) before becoming one of the first commissioners of the IEBC.
In 2009, former President Mwai Kibaki appointed him to chair the Special Presidential Committee on Muslim Concerns.
Sharawe also served as chairperson of the Public Service Commission, where he advocated for professionalism, integrity and reforms within the public service.
His death comes shortly after the passing of IEBC official Betty Rotich, the sister of former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich.
Betty died on the night of July 3 following a road accident along the Londiani-Kericho section of the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.
Her death was announced by her sister Edna Rotich, who said family members, friends and relatives had gathered at their home in Kaptagat to begin funeral arrangements.