IEBC Summons UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar Over Dead Voter Remarks

IEBC Summons UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar Over Dead Voter Remarks

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has summoned United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar to explain controversial remarks he allegedly made about voting using the fingerprints of deceased people.

Omar is expected to appear before the commission’s Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.

The summons follows comments he allegedly made during a political rally in Jomvu, Mombasa County, on September 11, which triggered criticism from opposition leaders and renewed debate about the integrity of Kenya’s voter register ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement, IEBC said the former Mombasa senator had been asked to respond to the allegations before the committee determines whether his remarks breached electoral rules.

“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), through its Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, has summoned Hon. Hassan Omar to appear before the Committee on October 21, 2026, at Anniversary Towers,” the commission stated.

IEBC Explains Why Hassan Omar Was Summoned

According to the electoral agency, the summons relates to statements allegedly made by Omar during the Jomvu rally, where he also announced his bid for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the 2027 elections.

IEBC said the remarks concerned voting by deceased people and could potentially amount to a violation of the Electoral Code of Conduct.

“The summons arises from statements allegedly made by the former Senator at a public rally in Mombasa County on September 11, 2026, on voting by deceased voters,” IEBC stated.

The commission has not announced a final finding against Omar. He is expected to present his explanation before the committee makes a determination.

IEBC emphasised that the proceedings would consider the available material and Omar’s representations, giving him an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

“The Committee will make its determination only after considering the material and representations before it. The Commission expects the former Senator to honour the summons and cooperate with the proceedings,” the commission said.

Hassan Omar Says Remarks Were Metaphorical

Omar’s comments sparked an immediate political reaction, with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders in Mombasa demanding disciplinary action and raising concerns about the possible manipulation of the electoral process.

On September 14, Omar sought to clarify his remarks, saying they were metaphorical and intended to highlight concerns about the integrity of the voter register rather than suggest an actual plan to use deceased people’s fingerprints to cast ballots.

His explanation came amid growing political exchanges over preparations for the 2027 General Election and the credibility of voter registration records.

The controversy has also attracted criticism from some UDA members, who have reportedly called for disciplinary action against Omar, including his removal from the position of secretary-general.

IEBC Reaffirms Electoral Code of Conduct

IEBC is constitutionally mandated to manage elections and referenda and safeguard the integrity of Kenya’s electoral processes.

The commission also oversees compliance with electoral laws and the Electoral Code of Conduct, which sets standards for political parties, candidates and other participants during election-related activities.

The summons provides the commission with an opportunity to examine whether Omar’s remarks violated those standards.

However, any decision on the matter will depend on the committee’s assessment after hearing his response.

Omar’s appearance comes as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 polls, with electoral integrity, voter registration and public confidence expected to remain central issues.

The outcome of the proceedings could determine whether the commission takes further action over the remarks. Until then, the allegations remain subject to the committee’s review, and no final determination has been announced.

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IEBC Summons UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar Over Dead Voter Remarks