The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer, Marjan Hussein Marjan, bringing to an end his nearly ten-year tenure at the electoral body.
Marjan, who has served at the Commission since 2015, said his decision to step down followed extensive consultations with senior officials of the commission.
In a statement announcing his departure, he did not disclose specific reasons for the resignation, but indicated that the move was mutually agreed upon with the commission’s top leadership.
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“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. I write to you today to express my sincere appreciation to each one of you for the privilege of serving alongside you over the years,” Marjan said in a letter addressed to IEBC staff.
In an internal message, the outgoing CEO thanked commissioners and staff for their professionalism since he joined the commission in April 2015.
He commended the team’s role during the 2022 General Election and the subsequent transition period, urging employees to continue upholding integrity and the rule of law as the handover process begins.
“Since joining the Commission in April 2015, first as Deputy Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer and later as Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, it has been an honour to work with a professional, dedicated, and resilient team committed to the constitutional mandate of the IEBC,” he added.
During his tenure, Marjan oversaw the commission’s day-to-day operations, including election management, human resource administration, and the implementation of IEBC policies.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission confirmed his departure in a statement issued on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, noting that an interim CEO would be announced “in due course.”
The commission reiterated its commitment to institutional preparedness ahead of the next polls.
“The IEBC Secretariat is very crucial in service delivery on electoral management and it is the intention of the commission that it has to reflect the level of preparedness, passion and commitment to deliver credible, free and fair elections in Kenya,” the statement read.
Marjan’s resignation comes amid heightened scrutiny of the commission as the country inches closer to the 2027 General Election.
In recent days, leaders from the opposition visited the IEBC offices, raising concerns they said required urgent attention.
During that visit, Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party, was particularly critical of Marjan, openly expressing a lack of confidence in his leadership.
The developments add to growing pressure on the electoral body as Kenyans and political actors demand reforms and clarity on the commission’s preparedness ahead of the next general election.