Former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia wants Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan to exit the electoral body ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Kisia argued that Marjan should either be fired or voluntarily resign, noting that his prolonged stay at the commission has begun affecting the quality of his work.

He maintained that Marjan has overseen two elections and has served in the commission for many years, yet continues to insist on remaining in office despite having exceeded a reasonable tenure for such a sensitive position.

Kisia emphasised that principles of good governance require periodic leadership turnover, especially in institutions that handle critical national functions.

He questioned why the same individual should occupy the role for over a decade, suggesting that the commission or Marjan himself should have nurtured other professionals capable of taking up the responsibility after his exit.

He insisted that Marjan must leave office before the 2027 polls, adding that he personally has no confidence in the IEBC boss.

 He further stated that leaders within the United Opposition, and a significant portion of Kenyans, also lack trust in Marjan’s ability to deliver credible elections.

“This man must be shown the door before 2027; he actually must resign. This Marijan man must resign. I personally don’t have any confidence in Marjan. I can tell you from where I’m sitting that our leadership in the opposition and Kenya, to a large extent, have no confidence in him,” he said.

Why should he be removed?

According to Kisia, his call for Marjan’s removal is informed by recent incidents witnessed during the Mbeere North and Malava constituency by-elections, as well as other wards where mini-polls were held.

The united opposition, which lost in both constituencies despite expressing strong confidence in victory, attributed their defeat to what they termed inefficiencies within the IEBC. They claimed the commission allowed irregularities and unlawful activities to occur during the voting process.

Marjan’s stay at IEBC

Marjan Hussein Marjan entered the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in an acting capacity as the CEO in 2017.

He held this position for five years until his official confirmation and swearing-in as the permanent CEO in March 2022.