CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan bows to opposition pressure as he exits IEBC

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Marjan Hussein Majan on Tuesday exited, weeks after the United Opposition insited that he must leave.

Marjan thanked colleagues at the workplace, stating that they had been instrumental in implementing Kenya's democratic journey.

"Since joining the Commission in April 2015, first as Deputy Commission Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer and later as Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer it has been an honour to work with a professional, dedicated and resilient team committed to the consitututional mandate of the IEBC," Marjan said on Tuesday.

He said they had navigated complex demands, institutional transitions, and defining moments in the democratic journey.

His exit was described as mutual rather than forced exit, but insiders claimed his die had been cast.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka argued that fresh leadership was essential for free and fair polls, renewing demands for reforms and overhauls.

"Marjan's insistence that he remains IEBC CEO is very telling. We don't trust him and also the Smartmatic technology is suspicious," Kalonzo said then.

Despite the pressures, Marjan's departure was described as amicable and not a forced exit.

But insiders say in a crisis meeting with Commissioners, his integrity was questioned as well as procurement decisions.

Marjan's leadership focused on operational efficiency, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement. His exit marks a pivotal moment as Kenya gears up for the next electoral cycle, with stakeholders watching closely how the transition will influence preparations and public confidence in the process.

On 28 January 2026, a tense closed-door meeting between the United Opposition and IEBC laid bare deep mistrust, blunt demands, and stark warnings that public confidence in the electoral body is crumbling ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Mr Musyoka and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua led other opposition figures to expose what they called fault lines inside IEBC.

They accused the Commission of shielding Marjan, overseeing a shaky KIEMS kits procurement process, and drifting dangerously close to the elections without credibility, neutrality, or public trust.

Ms Karua bluntly flagged Marjan’s tenure and warned that they were uncomfortable with his 'overstaying'.

Mr Musyoka said the Commission is widely seen as aligned with President William Ruto, warning that such perceptions have poisoned public trust and could trigger political tensions if not corrected.

He also highlighted the KIEMS kits procurement, stressing that election technology is central to ensuring transparent, free, and fair elections, and that any misstep could undermine the entire process.

The opposition made it clear that trust cannot be rebuilt with statements alone.

Immediate action, transparency, and accountability are non-negotiable.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon acknowledged the concerns, insisting the Commission is committed to neutrality, legality, and constitutional obligations, and that all procurement and administrative decisions follow existing laws and frameworks.