Wamalwa Raises Concerns Over IEBC Independence After Meeting With Head of Public Service

Akoth
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Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has questioned the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following a recent meeting between the commission and the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei. 

Wamalwa raised his concerns shortly after the IEBC confirmed the exit of its Chief Executive Officer, Marjan Hussein Marjan.

According to reports, the IEBC held a meeting with Koskei on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, only a few hours before announcing Marjan’s departure from the electoral body. 

The timing of the meeting has attracted political attention, with Wamalwa openly questioning whether the commission was being influenced by external forces.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Wamalwa asked whether it was appropriate for the IEBC, which is expected to operate independently, to be summoned by the Head of Public Service.

He suggested that such a meeting could raise doubts about the commission’s ability to make decisions without political interference.

Wamalwa also questioned whether discussions during the meeting involved plans to replace Marjan and whether such decisions could have been influenced by political or regional considerations.

The DAP-K leader argued that the independence of the IEBC is critical to maintaining public trust in Kenya’s electoral system.

He said that any action that appears to compromise the commission’s autonomy could weaken confidence in future elections.

Wamalwa emphasized that the IEBC plays a vital role in organising and managing elections and therefore must be free from political pressure or influence from government offices.

The exit of Marjan Hussein Marjan has also attracted wide attention, as he served as CEO of the electoral body during a sensitive period in Kenya’s political environment.

While the IEBC confirmed his departure, detailed reasons behind the decision have not been fully explained publicly, leading to increased speculation and political debate.

Supporters of Wamalwa’s concerns say transparency is necessary whenever major changes occur within the electoral commission.

They argue that clear communication helps prevent suspicion and strengthens public trust in democratic institutions.

Some political observers have also pointed out that Kenya’s electoral body has previously faced criticism and challenges, making its independence an issue that continues to attract public interest.

However, other leaders believe that meetings between government institutions do not automatically mean interference.

They argue that public offices often coordinate on administrative and operational matters, and such meetings may not necessarily affect the commission’s decision-making process.

Political analysts note that discussions about the independence of the IEBC are common in Kenya, especially during periods of leadership changes or electoral preparations.

They say the credibility of elections largely depends on the public’s belief that the commission operates fairly and without influence from political or government interests.

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