NAIROBI — Kenya’s electoral body has appointed Ruth Kulundu as its acting chief executive, stepping into a role that sits at the centre of preparations for the country’s next general election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed the move in an internal memo dated 4 August. The chairman, Erastus Ethekon, said Ms Kulundu would take up the post from 5 August, following the end of Moses Ledama Sunkuli’s six-month stint in the same role.
“The Commission has appointed Ruth Kulundu to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary, effective 5th August 2026,” Mr Ethekon wrote.
Her tenure, the memo notes, will last two months or until a permanent appointment is made, whichever comes first.
The transition comes at a delicate moment for the commission. With the 2027 General Election drawing closer, the IEBC faces mounting pressure to steady its leadership and rebuild public confidence after years of internal upheaval and scrutiny.
Mr Ethekon urged staff to support the incoming acting chief. “During this transition, the Commission requests all staff members to extend their full cooperation,” he said, adding that continuity in operations would be essential.
Ms Kulundu steps into the role as the commission works through a demanding agenda. Among the tasks ahead are voter registration drives, preparations of electoral technology, and ongoing engagement with political parties and other stakeholders. Each of these processes will shape the credibility of the next poll.
Her predecessor, Mr Sunkuli, had taken over earlier this year after the departure of Marjan Hussein Marjan. His temporary term formally ended on 4 August. In the memo, the commission thanked him for his service, noting his role in steering the secretariat during a period of transition.
“The Commission wishes to take this opportunity to thank Mr Moses Ledama Sunkuli for his services,” Mr Ethekon said.
While the appointment of an acting chief ensures continuity, attention is now turning to the search for a substantive CEO and Commission Secretary. That process is expected to attract close public and political scrutiny, given the stakes involved.
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