The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has named Moses Ledama Sunkuli as the Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary, a move that takes effect immediately.
Sunkuli, who currently serves as the Commission’s Director of Electoral Operations, steps into the role following the departure of former CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan.
In its statement, the IEBC highlighted that Sunkuli “brings extensive experience and internal institutional knowledge to this role,” noting that his appointment ensures continuity in electoral management at a critical time for the Commission.
Earlier this week, Marjan formally resigned from his position, a decision the IEBC Chairperson, Erastus Ethekon, said was reached through a mutual agreement to terminate his services.
“This brings to an end his tenure at the IEBC and marks the start of the process to recruit a new CEO and Secretary to the Commission. The IEBC will announce an interim replacement who will serve as Acting CEO/Secretary in due course,” Ethekon stated.
The Chairperson emphasized that the leadership change reflects the Commission’s commitment to maintaining uninterrupted operations, especially in fulfilling constitutional duties, such as managing elections and boundary delimitation.
“The changes within the Secretariat are part of critical reforms aimed at strengthening institutional preparedness, internal accountability, and results-oriented systems. The Secretariat is central to delivering credible, free, and fair elections, and these reforms will enhance its effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and service delivery to the people of Kenya,” he added.
Ethekon also acknowledged Marjan’s contributions since his appointment in March 2022, praising his leadership during a period when the Commission operated without fully constituted Commissioners until July 2025. “We thank Mr. Marjan for his dedication and professional service to the IEBC and wish him well in his future endeavors,” the Chairperson said.
Marjan’s resignation comes amid pressure from opposition parties ahead of the next General Election. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka criticized Marjan for renewing the contract of Smartmatic, the company that supplied electoral kits during the 2022 polls, warning that the next election might not be free and fair if he remained in office.
With Sunkuli now at the helm, the Commission places a senior insider in charge of the secretariat, ensuring institutional knowledge is retained as preparations for upcoming elections continue.
