NAIROBI, Kenya — Feb 3, 2026—The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commission Secretary, Marjan Hussein Marjan, has resigned from his position, the commission confirmed on Tuesday.
The resignation, described by the IEBC as a mutual decision between Marjan and the commission leadership, comes amid mounting scrutiny of the body ahead of the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced that the process to appoint a successor has already begun, emphasizing that the leadership change aims to ensure continuity in the commission’s operations.
Marjan, who has served at IEBC since 2015, faced growing political pressure over perceived management challenges, particularly concerning contracts with election technology providers and preparations for the upcoming elections.
His resignation follows calls by opposition leaders for a restructuring of the commission’s leadership, including demands to review the Smartmatic contract for election technology.
United Opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, had publicly raised concerns about IEBC’s readiness and transparency, citing a lack of confidence in the CEO’s leadership. While the resignation comes shortly after these demands, IEBC has not formally linked Marjan’s exit to opposition pressure, framing the departure instead as an internal decision aimed at maintaining institutional stability.
“Marjan Hussein Marjan has stepped down from his role as CEO and Commission Secretary. We have initiated the recruitment process for a new CEO, ensuring smooth operations ahead of the 2027 elections,” IEBC said in a statement.
Marjan’s tenure has also faced public scrutiny over unresolved electoral debts and controversies surrounding electoral technology contracts, which critics say raised questions about transparency and efficiency. The resignation is seen by some political analysts as a move to restore confidence in the commission as the country approaches a high-stakes election year.
The 17-month period leading to the 2027 polls has seen heightened political tension, with opposition leaders pressing for reforms in IEBC’s processes, especially in technology adoption, transparency, and legal compliance. The resignation is likely to add momentum to calls for broader institutional reforms within the electoral body.
Marjan’s departure leaves the commission with the task of appointing a new CEO capable of steering the body through pre-election preparations, including voter registration, technology procurement, and legal compliance, while maintaining public trust.
