The sudden exit of Marjan and the perilous nature of lucrative IEBC CEO position
The CEO wields power over nine directors in charge of the same number of directorates...
✨ Key Highlights
The IEBC is facing a leadership crisis following the sudden exit of chief executive officer Hussein Marjan, less than two years before the 2027 elections. His departure, described as “termination by mutual consent,” marks the third consecutive CEO to leave the position prematurely, highlighting the instability within the commission.
- Hussein Marjan is the third IEBC chief executive to leave before the end of their contract.
- The CEO role has been a revolving door, with Ezra Chiloba and James Oswago also exiting under controversial circumstances.
- Past departures, including those of Chiloba and Oswago, have been linked to conflicts over lucrative tender procurements, some involving billions of shillings.
- Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka had previously advocated for Marjan’s removal, citing concerns about the integrity of the 2027 elections.
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Hussein Marjan Exits as IEBC CEO Amidst Controversy and Scrutiny of Smartmatic Contract - February 2026
Hussein Marjan, the longest-serving senior official at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has left the agency after more than a decade of service. His departure, described as a “termination by mutual consent,” marks the third consecutive CEO to leave the position prematurely, less than two years before the 2027 elections. The exit is reportedly surrounded by controversy and has raised questions about the IEBC's credibility. This development comes amidst ongoing scrutiny over a controversial contract with voting technology provider Smartmatic. In connection with this, the IEBC announced it has not extended Smartmatic's contract. IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon stated Marjan's exit was "in the best interest of the nation" but did not confirm if it was linked to the KIEMS kits contract.
