Kenya Mourns Former IEBC Commissioner Eng. Mohamed Abdullahi Sharawe
In that role, he was at the centre of management of public infrastructure and national road development programmes, overseeing key projects that shaped Kenya’s transport network.
Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Mohamed Abdullahi Sharawe. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Kenya is mourning the death of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Mohamed Abdullahi Sharawe, a respected civil engineer, senior public administrator and elder who served the country for decades.
Eng. Sharawe died on Sunday night, according to a statement issued on Monday by Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan. Keynan described him as a distinguished statesman, an accomplished engineer and a respected elder whose life was defined by integrity, humility and dedicated public service.
Eng. Sharawe was not just an electoral official. He was a seasoned technocrat whose career in government spanned more than three decades, serving under Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki in very senior positions.
During the Moi era, he served as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Roads and Public Works. In that role, he was at the centre of management of public infrastructure and national road development programmes, overseeing key projects that shaped Kenya’s transport network.
He later moved to the Ministry of Research, Technical Training and Applied Technology as Permanent Secretary, where he helped develop policies on technical education, research and applied technology, laying groundwork for Kenya’s current TVET system.
In 2009, former President Mwai Kibaki trusted him with two very sensitive national assignments. First, he was appointed Chairman of the Special Presidential Committee on Muslim Concerns. The committee was tasked with examining civil, administrative and socio-economic challenges facing the Muslim community and recommending how government could address historical injustices and promote inclusion.
In the same year, he was named a commissioner of the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission, popularly known as the Ligale Commission. The commission, which served until 2010, was mandated to review constituency and ward boundaries as Kenya prepared to implement the new Constitution.
After the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Eng. Sharawe became one of the first commissioners of the newly formed IEBC, serving from 2011 to 2016. During his term, the commission conducted the historic 2013 General Election – the first under the 2010 Constitution – and handled voter registration and boundary management.
MP Adan Keynan praised his role in Kenya’s democratic journey, saying he helped shape Kenya’s electoral and boundary system and laid a strong foundation for constitutional governance.
“His professionalism, diligence and dedication to excellence earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues and citizens alike,” Keynan said.
He also served as Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), where he championed professionalism, integrity and excellence in the public service.
“Beyond his remarkable public service, Eng. 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 added.
Senior advisor and financial expert Mohamed Wehliye also mourned him, saying: “Innalilahi waina ilahi rajiuan. Eng Abdullahi Mohamed Sharawe passed on last night. May Almighty Allah grant him Jannatul Firdous & give his family sabr & iman.”
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