NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has appointed Moses Ledama Sunkuli as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition following the exit of Marjan Hussein Marjan.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon announced that Sunkuli will serve in an acting capacity for six months or until a substantive CEO is recruited, citing his deep institutional experience and understanding of the Commission’s operations.
“Moses Ledama Sunkuli brings extensive experience and internal institutional knowledge to this role,” Ethekon said, noting that his career within IEBC places him at the heart of the agency’s electoral machinery.
A familiar name in Kenya’s election history
Sunkuli, who currently serves as IEBC’s Director of Electoral Operations, is not new to national attention.
He rose to prominence during the tense 2022 General Election, particularly at the National Tallying Centre at the Bomas of Kenya.
At the height of the presidential results tallying, Sunkuli reportedly went into hiding amid fears of arrest, leaving behind his personal devices at Bomas.
The move followed claims by then IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati that Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers were harassing election officials involved in the tallying and verification process.
Chebukati alleged that several IEBC staff had been profiled, arbitrarily arrested or forced to flee, warning of attempts to compromise the integrity of the election.
“We have staff who have been profiled. There is a staff member who disappeared while on duty,” Chebukati said moments before declaring William Ruto president-elect.
Sunkuli later resurfaced after the declaration, having been allegedly targeted for his perceived closeness to Chebukati and his central role in the presidential results process.
From Bomas controversy to IEBC leadership
Following the announcement of results, the Azimio la Umoja coalition rejected the outcome, backed by four commissioners who disowned the declaration.
However, the Supreme Court later upheld Ruto’s victory, effectively closing the chapter on the disputed election.
Now, nearly three years later, Sunkuli finds himself at the helm of the electoral body during another delicate transition period.
Education and professional background
Born in Kilgoris, Narok County, Sunkuli is an alumnus of Kilgoris High School and began his professional journey as a trained teacher.
He holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) degree from Moi University.
His academic portfolio also includes a Diploma in Business Management from the Kenya Institute of Management, a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi, and a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management, earned in 2016.
In addition, Sunkuli studied the Management of Democratic Elections in Africa at the University of South Africa and holds professional qualifications with the Chartered Insurance Institute of London (ACII), the Association of Insurance Institute of Kenya (AIIK), and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya Chapter).
National recognition
In December 2023, President William Ruto awarded Sunkuli the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), recognising his contribution to public service.
As IEBC prepares for future electoral milestones, Sunkuli’s six-month acting tenure places him at the centre of rebuilding trust, stabilising operations and guiding the Commission through a sensitive reform phase.
