IEBC CEO Marjan Resigns Amid Reforms

In a shocking move, Marjan Hussein Marjan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has resigned from his position, effective February 3, 2026. The resignation comes amidst mounting pressure from opposition leaders and Kenyans who questioned his suitability to oversee preparations for the next general election.

According to reports, Marjan’s exit is a result of a mutual agreement with the Commission, with IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirming the news in a statement. “The Commission and I have mutually agreed on a structured transition in the Office of the Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer,” Marjan said in a statement.

Marjan, who has been at the helm of IEBC since March 2022, cited his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and allowing the Commission to move forward with its constitutional mandate. “It has been an honour to work with a professional, dedicated, and resilient team committed to the constitutional mandate of the IEBC,” he said.

The resignation comes at a critical time, with the country gearing up for the 2027 general elections. Opposition leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, had been calling for Marjan’s removal, citing concerns over transparency and accountability within the electoral body.

IEBC Chairperson Ethekon assured Kenyans that the Commission is committed to a seamless transition, with an interim CEO to be appointed in due course. “The Commission is committed to a seamless transition designed to maintain momentum in carrying forward IEBC’s constitutional mandates, including the conduct of elections and boundaries delimitation,” Ethekon said.

The resignation has sparked debate, with some arguing it’s a step in the right direction, while others question the timing and implications for the electoral process. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya welcomed the resignation, stating it was in the public interest, citing long-standing tensions between the IEBC Secretariat and the Commission.

As the IEBC begins the process of recruiting a new CEO, Kenyans will be watching closely to ensure the electoral body’s independence and credibility are maintained. The Commission has assured stakeholders that ongoing activities, including by-elections and preparations for the 2027 General Elections, will continue unaffected.

The resignation has left many Kenyans wondering what the future holds for the IEBC and the country’s electoral process. As the Commission moves to appoint an interim CEO and start the search for a new leader, transparency and accountability will be key. Will this change bring about the reforms Kenya’s electoral body needs?