IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan Resigns After 11 Years

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan has resigned, ending an 11-year stint at the electoral body amid heightened political scrutiny and early preparations for the 2027 General Election.

In a statement issued Tuesday evening, Marjan said his departure followed a mutual agreement with the Commission’s leadership to begin a “structured transition” from his role as 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 throughout his tenure.

He did not disclose the specific reasons for his exit but noted that the decision came after consultations with senior officials at the commission.

Marjan joined the IEBC in April 2015 as Deputy Commission Secretary and later rose to CEO, overseeing 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 frequently appeared before parliamentary committees, including the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee, where he defended the commission’s administrative and financial decisions.

His resignation comes amid mounting pressure on the IEBC from opposition leaders and civil society groups calling for 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 preparedness for future elections.

The timing of Marjan’s exit is expected to intensify debate over the IEBC’s leadership, independence, and readiness as the country moves closer to another high-stakes electoral cycle.

The commission has yet to announce an interim replacement or outline the timeline for appointing Marjan’s successor.