The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has summoned United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar to appear before its Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee on October 21, at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi, over remarks he allegedly made about deceased voters during a political rally in Mombasa.
The summons concerns statements Omar allegedly made at a public rally in Mombasa County on September 11, when he suggested that the fingerprints of deceased people could be used to cast votes in favour of President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
The remarks sparked criticism from opposition leaders and renewed debate about the integrity of Kenya’s electoral process ahead of the next general election.
IEBC said the matter had been brought to its attention and was being considered under the Electoral Code of Conduct contained in the Second Schedule of the Elections Act, 2011.
The commission clarified that the summons gives Omar an opportunity to respond before the committee makes a determination.
“The Committee will make its determination only after considering the material and representations before it,” IEBC said.
The commission added that it expected Omar to honor the summons and cooperate with the proceedings, emphasizing that all persons appearing before the committee would receive a fair opportunity to present their cases.
Omar previously defended his remarks after they attracted public criticism saying, on September 14, that his message had been misunderstood and was intended to encourage voter registration and participation.
“The context that I made in my earlier remarks is that everybody should participate in voter registration and vote, and every vote counts, nothing else,” Omar said during a consultative meeting with Bunge la Wananchi leaders in Mombasa.
His clarification followed calls from political leaders for IEBC to address concerns raised by the comments and explain how electoral systems would protect the integrity of the 2027 vote.
The controversy has also drawn attention to the accuracy of the voter register and the safeguards used to prevent electoral malpractice. Omar made the original remarks during a political engagement in Mombasa on September 11, shortly after declaring his bid to become Mombasa County governor in the 2027 elections.
IEBC said it would continue to act independently and impartially when handling credible complaints concerning breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the commission urged political leaders, candidates, supporters and other participants to exercise restraint in their public statements and conduct.
It called on political actors to promote peace, tolerance, respect for the rule of law and democratic participation, adding that it would issue further information on Omar’s case after the proceedings conclude.
