NAIROBI, Kenya — People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has raised concerns over the process that led to the appointment of an Acting Chief Executive Officer at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement on Friday, Karua questioned why the commission bypassed the deputies of the outgoing CEO when making the temporary appointment.
“Why would the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) bypass the two deputies of the former CEO in this appointment, which is temporary?” Karua asked. “Is there something we are missing, or is it mischief at play?”
Her remarks followed IEBC’s announcement on Thursday, appointing Moses Ledama Sunkuli as Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary, effective immediately.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the appointment followed the exit of former CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan and was intended to ensure continuity at the Secretariat.
“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission wishes to announce the appointment of Moses Ledama Sunkuli as the Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary, effective immediately,” the commission said in a statement.
IEBC explained that Sunkuli, who previously served as Director of Electoral Operations, was selected because of his institutional experience and familiarity with the commission’s operations.
The commission stressed that the appointment is temporary and will last for six months or until a substantive CEO is recruited.
“Sunkuli will serve in an acting capacity for a period of six months or until the recruitment and appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer is finalised,” the statement said.
IEBC added that it had already initiated the recruitment process for a permanent CEO and Commission Secretary.
Earlier this week, the commission confirmed the exit of Marjan Hussein Marjan, saying his departure was by mutual agreement and part of broader reforms within the Secretariat.
“This, in effect, brings to an end his tenure in IEBC and marks the beginning of the process of recruitment of a new CEO and Secretary to the Commission,” IEBC said.
The commission linked the leadership change to ongoing restructuring aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and institutional preparedness ahead of future electoral exercises.
IEBC also praised Marjan for steering the Secretariat during a period when the commission operated without fully constituted commissioners, particularly between 2022 and July 2025.
Karua’s remarks add to growing public scrutiny over governance and decision-making at the electoral body, which is central to the conduct of elections and boundary delimitation under Article 88 of the Constitution.
