Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for the removal of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO Hussein Marjan.
Speaking on Saturday, January 10, in Machakos County, Kalonzo accused Marjan of hurriedly renewing Smartmatic’s contract, the firm that supplied KIEMS kits during the 2022 General Election.
The former Vice President claimed that the contract renewal was done at a time when the IEBC had not yet been fully reconstituted.
Kalonzo Demands Exit of IEBC CEO Over Electoral Concerns. Photo: Courtesy.
He alleged that by the time new commissioners were appointed, the agreement had already been signed.
Kalonzo maintained that the move was unlawful, arguing that Marjan lacked the authority to renew the contract in the absence of a properly constituted commission.
The Wiper Party leader further suggested that IEBC should compensate Hussein Marjan and facilitate his exit from office ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo claimed that the next election would not be free or fair if Marjan remains in charge of the electoral body, arguing that his continued stay at the commission poses a risk to the credibility of the process.
He insisted that Marjan should step aside, noting that by next year he would only have one year left in his term, making it more practical for the commission to reach a settlement and allow him to leave.
Kalonzo’s remarks come months after President William Ruto reconstituted the IEBC.
In a gazette notice dated Thursday, July 10, the President appointed Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new IEBC chairperson for a six-year term.
Ruto also named Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Arafhat Abdallah as commissioners.
