IEBC Chair Ethekon defends Marjan a day after his resignation

IEBC chairperson, Erastus Ethekon./TIMON OTIENO

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has defended former Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan, praising his professionalism and long service to the country just a day after his resignation from the commission.

Speaking in response to growing public debate and media speculation surrounding the leadership change, Ethekon described Marjan as a dedicated public servant who had faithfully served Kenya’s electoral body for a long time.

“He is a serious professional who has rendered service to this nation since 2015. He has served in a very high position, first as Deputy CEO and later as CEO, and he did so with dedication and selflessness,” Ethekon said.

The IEBC chair emphasised that Marjan’s contribution should be respected, warning against attempts to tarnish his name through rumours and unverified claims.

“We should not invent things that are not there to try and character assassinate or malign him. It is not fair to the individual,” he said.

IEBC commissioners with EAK members during a prayer breakfast meeting./TIMON OTIENO

Ethekon directly challenged the media, accusing some outlets of exaggerating the circumstances surrounding the resignation and promoting speculation instead of factual reporting.

“As much as you are looking for stories, look at the individual as well and the harm that can be caused by peddling rumours, innuendos and imaginations,” he said.

According to Ethekon, the decision for Marjan’s exit was concluded amicably, with commissioners parting on good terms.

“Yesterday we agreed, we finished our work, and we all went home very happy. But when you hear stories in the media, it is like there are other narratives that did not exist,” he added.

He urged the public and journalists to avoid overblowing the issue, stressing that unnecessary speculation could harm institutions such as the IEBC, especially at a critical time as preparations for the 2026 General Election begin.

“In the interest of the country, let us not create issues that were not there,” Ethekon said.

The remarks come just a day after Marjan Hussein Marjan officially resigned from his role as CEO, a move the IEBC leadership has maintained was guided by the law and reached through mutual agreement.

As the commission moves forward with internal changes and plans to recruit a new CEO, Ethekon reiterated the need for professionalism, truthfulness and responsible reporting to safeguard both individuals and public institutions.