Nairobi, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Marjan Hussein Marjan, has resigned from his position, marking a significant leadership change at the electoral body.
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said Marjan’s resignation followed a mutual agreement to terminate his services.
“This brings to an end his tenure at the IEBC and marks the start of the process to recruit a new CEO and Secretary to the Commission. The IEBC will announce an interim replacement who will serve as Acting CEO/Secretary in due course,” the statement read.
Seamless Transition and Institutional Reforms
Ethekon emphasized that the move reflects the Commission’s commitment to a seamless leadership transition, ensuring continuity in fulfilling its constitutional mandates, including conducting elections and managing boundary delimitation.
“The changes within the Secretariat are part of critical reforms aimed at strengthening institutional preparedness, internal accountability, and results-oriented systems. The Secretariat is central to delivering credible, free, and fair elections, and these reforms will enhance its effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and service delivery to the people of Kenya,” he said.
Marjan’s Tenure
Marjan was appointed in March 2022 and steered the Commission during a challenging period when it operated without fully constituted Commissioners until July 2025.
Ethekon expressed appreciation for Marjan’s contributions:
“We thank Mr. Marjan for his dedication and professional service to the IEBC and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Political Pressure
Marjan’s resignation comes amid mounting pressure from opposition parties demanding his exit ahead of the next General Election. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused him of hastily renewing the contract of Smartmatic, the company that supplied electoral kits for the 2022 elections. Kalonzo warned that the upcoming election might not be free and fair if Marjan remained in office.
Conclusion
Marjan’s departure sets the stage for a new leadership era at the IEBC, with reforms aimed at bolstering credibility and efficiency in Kenya’s electoral processes. As the Commission prepares to recruit a new CEO, the move is expected to shape the institution’s readiness for the next General Election.
