Former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia has demanded the immediate resignation of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, warning that the country risks a sham election in 2027 if the secretariat remains unchanged.

Speaking in Nairobi on Saturday, Kisia did not mince words, labeling Marjan as the “common denominator” in a series of disputed electoral processes. His remarks come just days after the November 27 by-elections in Mbeere and Malava, which Kisia cited as a “litmus test” that the commission failed spectacularly.

The 'Rot' in the Secretariat

“This man must be shown the door before 2027,” Kisia asserted, arguing that public confidence in the electoral body has eroded to dangerous lows. “I personally don’t have any confidence in Marjan. The opposition and Kenyans to a large extent have no confidence in him.”

Kisia’s argument hinges on the distinction between the IEBC Commissioners—who set policy—and the Secretariat, led by the CEO, which executes the actual logistics of voting. While the country often focuses on the Commissioners, Kisia contends that the “engine room” under Marjan is where the real mischief occurs.

He pointed to the recent by-elections as evidence of systemic failure, alleging widespread voter bribery, intimidation, and suspiciously low turnout. “We were testing to see whether they’ll be independent,” Kisia noted. “But true to our worries, we’ve now proved that they are not.”

Why This Matters to You

For the average Kenyan, the stability of the IEBC is not just political theater; it determines the safety of the streets and the health of the economy. Disputed elections historically lead to unrest, which disrupts supply chains and spikes the cost of living. A credible 2027 election is the only guarantee of a stable business environment.

Marjan has been at the helm of the secretariat since 2017 (initially in an acting capacity) and was confirmed as CEO in March 2022. Kisia described his tenure as “donkey years,” suggesting that longevity has bred complacency—or worse, complicity.

• Tenure: Marjan has overseen two General Elections (2017 repeat, 2022).
• Recent Trigger: Alleged flaws in Nov 27, 2025 by-elections (Mbeere, Malava).
• Demand: An independent audit of recent polls and Marjan's exit.

A Looming Crisis?

The former Town Clerk warned that if these “loopholes” are not fixed now, participating in the 2027 General Election would be an exercise in futility. He called for an independent audit of the by-elections to unearth the structural weaknesses before the high-stakes national contest.

“If we move with the same mistakes into 2027, I am afraid that 2027 will be Christmas for the status quo,” Kisia cautioned, implying a predetermined outcome.

As the political drums for 2027 begin to beat, the spotlight is shifting from the politicians to the referees. Whether Marjan can weather this new storm of scrutiny remains to be seen, but the demand for a “clean slate” at the IEBC is growing louder.