City lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has weighed in on the exit of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer Hussein Marjan, raising fresh questions about accountability, procurement decisions, and the credibility of the electoral body ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement shared on social media days after Marjan’s departure, Njiru claimed the former CEO was forced out after pushing through a controversial extension of the Smartmatic technology contract at a time when the IEBC was not fully constituted.
He argued that key decisions were made before the appointment of new commissioners, effectively locking them out of oversight and negotiations once they assumed office.
“By the time new commissioners came in, everything was already locked in — contracts signed, funds committed,” Njiru alleged, adding that the situation created a perception of backroom dealings that undermined public confidence in the commission.
He further claimed there were reports of large upfront payments linked to the procurement process, allegations that have not been independently verified.
Marjan exited the IEBC earlier this month after what the commission described as a separation by mutual consent.
His contract was due to run until 2027, meaning he left office more than a year before the next General Election.
IEBC chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the exit was part of a structured transition aimed at strengthening the institution.
Marjan had served at the commission for nearly a decade, first as deputy secretary before rising to the CEO position.
His tenure coincided with multiple election cycles and sustained public scrutiny, particularly around electoral technology procurement and preparedness.
Following his exit, the commission appointed Director of Electoral Operations Moses Ledama Sunkuli as acting CEO and commission secretary.
Njiru questioned the move, suggesting it signaled continuity rather than reform within the electoral body.
“Same system. Same players. Different offices,” Njiru wrote, framing the leadership change as either a step toward accountability or political damage control.
Njiru warned that beyond being independent, the IEBC must be seen to be independent, arguing that public trust will be critical as the country heads toward 2027.
With election preparations expected to intensify in the coming months, the debate around Marjan’s exit and the Smartmatic contract is likely to keep the electoral body under sharp public and political scrutiny.