Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has opposed calls to abolish the National Presidential Tallying Centre, saying the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should be allowed to conduct its constitutional mandate ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Barasa said political actors should not dictate how the electoral body carries out its responsibilities, noting that the Constitution provides a framework for the tallying and declaration of presidential election results.

The Governor was speaking Wednesday at Topa Market in Mumias West during the disbursement of Sh4 million in Social Protection Grants to vulnerable community groups from Etenje, Musanda, Mumias Central and Mumias North wards.

His remarks came a day after the People’s Coalition on Electoral Reforms, led by former Chief Justice David Maraga, called for the abolition of the National Tallying Centre at Bomas of Kenya ahead of the 2027 polls.

The coalition argues that presidential results should be conclusively tallied at constituency level.

Barasa said Article 138 of the Constitution provides for the conduct and declaration of presidential election results, including the IEBC’s role in tallying and verifying the count before declaring the outcome.

“Let IEBC do its work according to the Constitution and the law. We should not begin prescribing to the commission how it should conduct its mandate,” Barasa said.

urged political parties and other stakeholders to focus on strengthening electoral institutions and ensuring that the 2027 election is conducted within the established legal framework.

The Governor said unnecessary political interference could complicate preparations for the elections and undermine the work of institutions mandated to manage the electoral process.

The Maraga-led coalition has, however, maintained that the Constitution does not expressly provide for a national tallying centre and wants the Elections Act and related regulations reviewed to reflect its proposed model.

The debate comes as stakeholders intensify discussions on electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 General Election.

by John Ochanda