A leadership change has taken place at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission after the appointment of Moses Ledama Sunkuli as the acting Chief Executive Officer.
The decision was confirmed on Thursday, February 5, only two days after the exit of former CEO Marjan Hussein.
Alongside the new role, Sunkuli will also serve as the Commission Secretary, positions that were previously held by Marjan before his resignation.
Before taking up the acting position, Sunkuli worked as the Director of Electoral Operations at the commission. His long service within the institution is seen as an advantage as he steps into the top administrative office during a time of transition.
According to the commission, his appointment takes effect immediately and he is expected to serve in an interim capacity for at least six months or until a substantive CEO is recruited.
“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission wishes to announce the appointment of Moses Ledama Sunkuli as the Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary, effective immediately,” a statement from the IEBC read.
The commission also stressed its commitment to a smooth transition in leadership while maintaining high standards in delivering services to the public.
As the acting CEO, Sunkuli will become the administrative head of the IEBC. He will oversee the daily operations of the institution and ensure that decisions made by commissioners are implemented effectively.
His duties will also include supervising staff across county offices and at the national headquarters, as well as ensuring that the commission runs smoothly during both regular periods and election seasons.
One of his immediate challenges will be the upcoming by-elections for several Member of County Assembly seats expected in February.
The CEO plays a central role in coordinating election preparations, including planning, logistics, and the smooth running of polling activities.
In addition, as the accounting officer of the commission, Sunkuli will be responsible for managing the IEBC budget and ensuring accountability in the use of public funds.
This includes overseeing procurement processes for election materials and other operational needs.
Despite the wide responsibilities, certain roles remain strictly reserved for the commissioners and the chairperson. The acting CEO will not make policy decisions or announce election results, as those powers fall outside his mandate.
Sunkuli brings nearly a decade of experience within the IEBC, including serving as a returning officer during the period leading to the 2017 General Election. His familiarity with electoral processes is expected to help him navigate the demands of the acting role.Political reactions to the appointment are also expected to shape public debate.
Observers are watching closely to see how opposition leaders, including those aligned with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, will respond.
The opposition had been highly critical of Marjan’s tenure, and their stance toward Sunkuli may influence the wider political atmosphere surrounding the commission in the coming months.
