Kenya’s electoral journey has rarely been smooth, and recent developments have once again put the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) under intense scrutiny.

On February 5, 2026, the commission announced the appointment of Moses Ledama Sunkuli as acting Chief Executive Officer, days after Marjan Hussein Marjan tendered his resignation.

The IEBC described the transition as mutually agreed and structured, coming at a delicate moment with less than 18 months to the 2027 General Election.

Marjan, who joined the IEBC in 2015 and became substantive CEO in March 2022, leaves a mixed legacy.

He guided the commission through challenging by-elections and internal restructuring but faced growing criticism over procurement matters, particularly the handling of the Smartmatic contract and KIEMS kits.

Opposition leaders repeatedly called for fresh leadership, arguing that a new CEO was essential to restore public confidence ahead of the 2027 polls. While Marjan’s departure was framed as mutual, it followed sustained political pressure and internal deliberations.

Sunkuli steps into acting role

Moses Ledama Sunkuli, the commission’s Director of Electoral Operations, assumes the acting CEO role for six months or until a permanent appointment is made. The IEBC has highlighted his extensive experience and institutional knowledge as key strengths, assuring stakeholders that preparations for the 2027 elections will continue without disruption.

Chairperson Erastus Ethekon stated that the transition is structured to maintain stability within the secretariat.

Despite these assurances, scepticism remains. People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua questioned why Sunkuli was chosen over Marjan’s two deputies, asking whether proper procedure was followed.

Lawyer Saitabao Ole Kanchory echoed concerns about the composition and independence of the secretariat, while strategic advisor Fredrick Okango warned that a disorganised IEBC could threaten the credibility of the next election. These voices reflect deeper anxieties that have lingered since the disputed 2022 polls.

Restoring public confidence ahead of 2027

Public trust in the IEBC continues to be fragile, with concerns over funding gaps, delayed reforms, and unresolved technology procurement issues.

Opposition coalitions have demanded a complete overhaul of election systems, including cutting ties with controversial firms like Smartmatic, arguing that perceived proximity between the commission and the ruling administration could compromise fairness.

Some political leaders, however, have welcomed the leadership change. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya described Marjan’s exit as timely, citing the opportunity for broader reforms and improved relations between commissioners and the secretariat.

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna urged caution, noting that it is too early to assess the implications fully.

The IEBC has reassured Kenyans of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and accelerated recruitment of a substantive CEO. The commission has ruled out the creation of new constituencies before 2027 and pledged to address procurement concerns raised by stakeholders.

Ultimately, the central question remains: can the IEBC, under Sunkuli’s interim leadership, deliver an election widely accepted as free, fair, and credible? Credibility will require visible reforms, inclusive dialogue, sufficient funding, and demonstrable independence.

With by-elections looming and the countdown to August 2027 already underway, the coming months will be crucial. Sunkuli’s acting tenure provides a window to steady the commission, bridge trust gaps, and lay the foundation for credible polls that will shape Kenya’s democracy for years to come.