NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Mohamed Abdullahi Sharawe has died.
In a statement on Monday, Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan announced that Mohamed passed away on Sunday night, describing him as a distinguished statesman, accomplished engineer and respected elder whose life was defined by integrity, humility and dedicated public service.
Mohamed was a Kenyan civil engineer and senior public administrator whose career in government spanned several decades.
During the administration of former President Daniel arap Moi, he served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Roads and Public Works, where he played a key role in managing public infrastructure and road development programmes.
He later served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Research, Technical Training and Applied Technology, contributing to the development of policies on technical education, research and applied technology.
In 2009, former President Mwai Kibaki appointed him chairman of the Special Presidential Committee on Muslim Concerns. The committee was tasked with examining civil, administrative and socio-economic issues affecting the Muslim community and recommending appropriate government interventions.
The same year, he was appointed a commissioner of the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission, also known as the Ligale Commission. The commission served until 2010, reviewing constituency and ward boundaries as part of implementing Kenya’s new constitutional order.
Following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Mohamed became one of the inaugural commissioners of the IEBC, serving from 2011 to 2016. During his tenure, the commission oversaw the first General Election under the 2010 Constitution in 2013 and carried out electoral boundary management and voter registration responsibilities.
Keynan praised Mohamed’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey, saying he played a key role in shaping the country’s electoral and boundary management system and helped lay the 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 added that Mohamed’s appointments reflected his commitment to justice, inclusion and national unity.
Mohamed also served as chairman of the Public Service Commission, 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 said.
The legislator said Mohamed’s life exemplified honour, patriotism and selfless service, noting that his contributions to the country would continue to be remembered.
“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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, relatives, friends, former colleagues and all Kenyans whose lives were enriched by his remarkable service and exemplary character,” he said.
“May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannatul Firdaus and bless his family with strength, comfort and patience during this difficult time. Ameen.”
Senior adviser at the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, Mohamed Wehliye, also paid tribute to the former commissioner, describing him as an outstanding public servant and seasoned professional.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Eng. Abdullahi Mohamed Sharawe passed on last night. May Almighty Allah grant him Jannatul Firdous and give his family sabr and iman. Engineer Sharawe was a great public servant for many years and a top professional,” Wehliye said.