The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has appointed Moses Ledama Sunkuli as its Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary, effective immediately, in a move aimed at ensuring continuity and institutional stability at the electoral body.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, announced that Sunkuli will serve in an acting capacity for a period of six months, or until the recruitment and appointment of a substantive CEO/Commission Secretary is concluded.
Sunkuli’s appointment follows the exit of the former Chief Executive Officer, a development that had left the Commission at a delicate administrative juncture as it seeks to reassert operational credibility and preparedness ahead of future electoral processes.
Prior to his appointment, Sunkuli was serving as the Director of Electoral Operations, a role that placed him at the core of IEBC’s technical and logistical functions. The Commission cited his extensive experience and deep institutional knowledge as key factors behind the decision to elevate him to the acting position.
“The Commission is committed to fast-tracking the recruitment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer/Commission Secretary while ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining the highest standards of excellence in service delivery to the Kenyan people,” the statement read.
A Strategic Internal Appointment
By appointing a senior insider, IEBC appears to be prioritising institutional continuity at a time when the Commission remains under intense public scrutiny following past electoral disputes, leadership wrangles, and prolonged vacancies in key positions.
Political observers note that the CEO/Commission Secretary position is central to the Commission’s administrative independence, as it oversees staff management, procurement, election logistics, and coordination with stakeholders, including political parties and security agencies.
Sunkuli’s interim tenure is therefore expected to focus on stabilising internal operations, restoring confidence among staff, and supporting the Commission’s broader reform agenda as discussions around electoral preparedness continue to gain momentum nationally.
Pressure to Deliver Substantive Leadership
IEBC’s assurance that it will fast-track the recruitment of a substantive CEO comes amid growing public and political pressure for the Commission to fully reconstitute its leadership structures well ahead of the next general election cycle.
Analysts warn that prolonged reliance on acting appointments could undermine long-term planning and accountability, making the timely appointment of a substantive CEO a key test of the Commission’s commitment to institutional reform.
For now, Moses Ledama Sunkuli steps into the role at a critical moment — tasked with holding the administrative fort while IEBC navigates both internal expectations and an increasingly watchful public eye.
