Mary Wanyonyi: Meet Chebukati’s Wife That Ruto Appointed After Being Sworn-in

Mary Chebukati Wanyonyi, the spouse of the late and former Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Wafula Chebukati, serves as the Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA).

She was appointed to the role by President William Ruto in May 2023 to succeed Jane Kiringai, who retired after completing a full 6-year term as the head of the CRA.

Wanyonyi is serving a six-year non-renewable term at the agency, whose core mandate is to make recommendations concerning the basis for the equitable sharing of revenue raised by the national government: between the National and County Governments, and among the County Government

She is also the third chairperson of the CRA. The first CRA chairperson under the 2010 constitution was Micah Cheserem, followed by Kiringai.

Mary Chebukati Appointed Chair of CRA

Wanyonyi’s appointment sparked a heated debate with some MPs claiming that she was only picked because of her status as wife of former IEBC chair, claims that were refuted.

Members of the committee, who spoke in support of her appointment, had indicated that they focused on her qualifications and not her spouse.

Also Read: Ruto Mourns Chebukati’s Death with Glowing Tribute

The late Wafula Chebukati would later congratulate his wife, Mary Wanyonyi, following her appointment and swearing-in by Chief Justice Martha Koome on July 17 at the Supreme Court.

“Congratulations Mary on your appointment as Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation! Your dedication and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the Mandate of the CRA and prosperity for all Kenyans,” Chebukati said.

“Keep your fidelity to the Constitution and the Law. Wishing you great success in this important role.”

Professional Career of Chebukati’s Wife

Prior to joining CRA as Chairperson, Mary Wanyonyi worked with the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning as a Senior Deputy Accountant General. Mary Chebukati joined the lands docket in 2019.

Before her transfer, she served at the Ministry of Treasury and was attached to the office of the PS, serving as the Director General in-charge of Accounting and Quality Assurance.

Apart from the two ministries, Mary has also worked at the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB) secretariat serving in the accountant general department. 

Meanwhile, she also served as a member on the boards of Kenyatta National Hospital, Masai Mara University and Cooperative University and as the Chairperson of the Kenya Ladies Golf Union.

Chebukati’s wife also shortlisted and interviewed for the position of Principal Secretary (PS) but was unsuccessful.

Also Read: Former IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati is Dead

Mary Chebukati is a Certified Public Accountant, certified professional mediator (CPM) and Financial Analyst.

She has 37 years of experience in the public sector at national and sub-county level.

Mary also has expert knowledge in the organization and functions of the Government and is skilled in implementation and monitoring accounting standards and systems and administering accounting units.

Education and Family

The CRA chair holds a master’s degree in business administration and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting).

Mary Wanyonyi is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), the Institute of Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (ICIFA), and the Association of Women Accountants of Kenya (AWAK).

Mary was married to Wafula Chebukati and had children, though they kept their family life private.

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