Kenya’s election body, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has named Moses Ledama Sunkuli as its acting CEO, stepping in right after Hussein Marjan called it quits earlier this week.
The change came fast. Just two days after Marjan’s resignation on Tuesday, February 3, the commission announced Sunkuli’s appointment on Wednesday. He’s taking over immediately, and some reports say the role is his for the next six months while they look for a permanent replacement.
Sunkuli isn’t new to the place. He has served as the director of electoral operations at IEBC for several years, effectively managing the intricate details of vote counting and ensuring smooth elections.
Before that, he started out as a teacher, working his way up through different jobs in public service. People who know him say he’s steady and knows the system inside out – exactly what the commission needs right now with the 2027 general elections on the horizon.
Marjan’s exit stirred up some talk. He resigned after what the commission called a mutual agreement to part ways. Chairman Erastus Ethekon insisted there was no big drama, just a decision that made sense for everyone. Marjan had been in the hot seat since taking over in 2022, dealing with complaints about how things were run and pressure to get ready for future polls.
The IEBC put out a short statement about the handover. They thanked Marjan for his time and wished him well, then introduced Sunkuli as the guy to lead things forward. No big ceremony, just business as usual at their headquarters in Nairobi.
This switch comes at a busy time for the commission. Kenya’s politics never really slow down, and with elections less than two years away, there’s a lot riding on getting the team right. Boundaries need reviewing, voter lists updating, and trust building after past controversies.
Picking someone from inside, like Sunkuli, might help keep things steady. He’s not coming in as an outsider shaking everything up; he already knows the staff and the challenges.
Reactions poured in quickly online and from political figures. Some opposition leaders said it’s good to have continuity, but they want to see real reforms soon. Government-side voices praised the smooth transition.
Regular Kenyans on social media mostly just hoped it means fairer elections next time around. One comment that stuck out: “As long as the votes count properly, that’s all we ask.”
Sunkuli himself hasn’t said much yet. He’s known for keeping a low profile, focusing on the work rather than headlines.
For now, eyes are on Sunkuli. Can he steer the IEBC through preparations without major hiccups? Kenya has seen election drama before, and nobody wants a repeat.
As Nairobi wakes up to another day of political chatter, this news reminds everyone how much depends on the people running the show behind the scenes. Elections shape the country, and right now, Moses Ledama Sunkuli is the one holding the reins at IEBC. Time will tell how he handles it.
