NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced the early exit of its Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary, Marjan Hussein Marjan, ending his tenure more than a year before the expiry of his contract.
The Commission said Marjan’s departure was agreed upon by mutual consent, marking a significant leadership shift at the electoral body at a time of heightened political scrutiny and preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Marjan, who was appointed on March 9, 2022, was serving a five-year term scheduled to run until March 2027.
His exit comes less than a week after opposition leaders escalated calls for his removal, accusing the Commission of lacking transparency and preparedness ahead of the next polls.
Sources familiar with developments at Anniversary Towers said discussions around his future had been ongoing, but the decision crystallised amid mounting pressure over procurement processes, voter registration progress, and public confidence in the Commission.
In the days leading up to the announcement, IEBC headquarters witnessed intense internal consultations, including high-level meetings attended by commissioners, some of which reportedly excluded Marjan.
Central to the deliberations was the role of Smartmatic, the voting technology firm used during the 2022 elections.
Opposition parties have demanded that the Commission sever ties with Smartmatic, whose contract was initially set to lapse in November.
Sources indicate the agreement may have been extended under unclear circumstances, further fuelling political tensions and public debate.
Announcing the decision, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the leadership changes were aimed at strengthening the institution.
“The changes are meant to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the secretariat in service delivery to the people of Kenya,” Ethekon said.
Concerns were also raised internally over the pace of voter registration, which has reportedly fallen below set targets.
As Accounting Officer and head of the Secretariat, the CEO reports directly to the Commission chaired by Ethekon.
After learning of the impending decision, Marjan is said to have sought confirmation that his exit would be treated as a mutual separation, a request the Chair granted.
Upon receiving formal communication last week, he engaged legal counsel and submitted a response on Friday evening seeking full pay through March 2027 and compensation for accrued leave.
His counter-proposal prompted an urgent Commission meeting on Monday afternoon, with five commissioners recalled from a workshop in Naivasha to resolve the matter. The vice-chairperson was absent due to personal reasons.
Marjan reported to work on Monday morning and left later in the afternoon, though it remains unclear whether he participated in the session that ratified his exit. The Commission concluded its deliberations at about 5:30 pm.
Journalists stationed at Anniversary Towers observed increased activity before and after the meeting. Commissioners arrived and departed over a two-hour period, with some describing the gathering as routine.
Two coordinated statements were later released confirming the decision.
In his message to staff, Marjan expressed gratitude for his time at the Commission.
“The Commission and I have mutually agreed on a structured transition in the Office of the Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer,” he said, adding that his experience in elections management had been both enriching and instructive.
Twelve minutes later, Ethekon formally announced the termination of Marjan’s services, noting that the decision paved the way for the recruitment of a new CEO.
“This brings to an end his tenure in IEBC and marks the beginning of the process of recruitment of a new CEO,” the Chair said.
He assured Kenyans that the Commission remains committed to implementing key reforms to ensure credible, free and fair elections ahead of 2027.
