Wiper Patriotic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has intensified his call for transparency and accountability in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) leadership transition, urging the electoral body to properly advertise the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the exit of Marjan Hussein Marjan.

Marjan, who resigned as IEBC CEO and Commission Secretary on February 3, 2026, left the commission amid intense criticism from opposition leaders over his handling of key electoral contracts and perceived lack of impartiality ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Although the commission moved swiftly to appoint an interim leader from within its ranks, Kalonzo, in a press briefing on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Kisii ahead of day two of the United Opposition’s tour, argued that this approach undermines public trust and could jeopardise electoral credibility.

“We are so focused, even in IEBC itself, we went and met them, and the first action they did was to remove Marjan. That was not enough, they replaced Marjan quickly with an officer of a lower rank because they think he will serve their purpose,” Kalonzo stated.

Kalonzo reiterated that the electoral commission’s internal processes must be seen to be fair, transparent, and inclusive, especially with the general election less than two years away, warning that appointing an acting CEO without an open, advertised recruitment process could fuel suspicions of impropriety and partisan influence.

“We are saying that there must be proper advertisement of the next CEO of IEBC so that we all, Kenyans, will know that justice has been done in the appointment of the next CEO, which should be immediate because elections are next year.”

The IEBC has indicated that recruitment for a new CEO is underway, with an acting head overseeing the Commission Secretariat’s day-to-day operations until the process is completed.

However, Kalonzo said he and other political stakeholders will continue pressing for inclusive engagement.

The IEBC acting CEO

On February 5, 2026, the commission appointed Moses Ledama Sunkuli as the acting CEO and Commission Secretary, effective immediately.

In a statement on Thursday, IEBC noted that Sunkuli, who is the current Commission’s Director of Electoral Operations, will serve in an acting capacity for a period of six (6) months or until the recruitment and appointment of a substantive CEO is finalised.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon expressed appreciation for Marjan’s contributions since his appointment in March 2022, noting 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 endeavours,” Ethekon added.

Marjan stepped down after mounting pressure from opposition parties demanding his exit ahead of the next General Election. Kalonzo had warned that the upcoming election might not be free and fair if Marjan remained in office.