Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), has questioned the independence of Kenya’s electoral body after meeting with the head of public service.

IEBC had a meeting with Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, hours before confirming Marjan Hussein Marjan’s exit.

“Is it in order for the Independent IEBC Kenya to be summoned by the Head of Public Service after meeting the Opposition? Were they receiving instructions on Marjan’s replacement, perhaps from a politically correct tribe?” Wamalwa posted on X.

His remarks came a day after Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan resigned. Marjan had served in the commission since 2015 and became CEO in 2022.

The resignation, announced on February 3, 2026, was described by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon as a mutual agreement.

Marjan explained the decision followed consultations and a structured transition.

Koskei defended the meeting with IEBC and maintained that it respected the commission’s independence. He said IEBC is a constitutionally independent body tasked with managing elections and boundary processes, and the public service must support it in fulfilling this mandate.

“In this context, I met members of the IEBC today as part of ongoing engagement between constitutional commissions and the national executive. I reaffirmed the Commission’s independence and discussed cooperation within clearly defined constitutional boundaries,” Koskei said.

He added that coordination between government institutions, when conducted within the law, strengthens public confidence in Kenya’s democratic system.

Opposition raises election concerns

Opposition leaders, including Wamalwa and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, had criticised Marjan for renewing a contract with Smartmatic, a Venezuelan firm, which they claim uses flawed technology that could manipulate election results. Musyoka warned of mass action if their concerns were ignored.

Last week, opposition leaders stormed the IEBC offices in Nairobi, handing over a list of demands.

IEBC officials met the opposition and promised to address their concerns. Marjan’s exit follows a pattern of leadership changes at IEBC amid controversy. Previous CEOs, including Ezra Chiloba and James Oswago, left under pressure linked to scandals or operational challenges.

Wamalwa’s social media post linked Marjan’s departure to possible interference from the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, who oversees government operations.