NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan has resigned, ending an 11-year tenure at the electoral body at a time of heightened political scrutiny and preparations for the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Marjan said his exit followed a mutual agreement with the Commission’s leadership to begin a “structured transition” from the office of Commission Secretary and CEO.
“As you may be aware, the Commission and I have mutually agreed on a structured transition in the Office of the Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer,” Marjan said, thanking staff for their support during his years of service.
While he did not disclose the specific reasons behind his decision, Marjan noted that the move came after consultations with senior officials at the commission.
Long-serving IEBC official
Marjan joined the IEBC in April 2015 as Deputy Commission Secretary, later rising to become CEO, a role in which he oversaw the commission’s day-to-day operations, including election management, human resource administration, and implementation of policy decisions.
“Since joining the Commission in April 2015, it has been an honour to work with a professional, dedicated, and resilient team committed to the constitutional mandate of the IEBC,” he said.
During his tenure, Marjan appeared before several parliamentary committees, including the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee, where he defended the commission’s administrative and financial decisions.
Political pressure mounts
Marjan’s resignation comes amid intensifying pressure on the IEBC from opposition leaders and civil society groups demanding institutional reforms ahead of the 2027 polls.
Just days before his departure, leaders from the United Opposition visited the IEBC headquarters, raising concerns they said required urgent attention as election preparations gathered pace.
During that visit, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua openly criticised Marjan, with opposition figures expressing a lack of confidence in his leadership and the commission’s readiness for future elections.
The timing of his exit is likely to fuel fresh debate over the IEBC’s leadership, independence, and preparedness, especially as the country edges closer to another high-stakes electoral cycle.
The commission has yet to announce who will assume the role on an interim basis or outline the timeline for appointing Marjan’s successor.
