The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has begun hearing a case against UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar over remarks he made about deceased voters at a political rally.

Omar appeared before the commission's Electoral Code of Conduct Committee at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. The IEBC had summoned him on 14 October.

The remarks

The case concerns comments Omar made at a rally in Jomvu, Mombasa County, on 11 September 2026. According to several outlets, he appeared to suggest that the fingerprints of recently deceased people could be taken before burial and used to cast ballots.

The commission's lawyer told the committee that Omar made the statements at a public rally. The IEBC is handling the matter under the Electoral Code of Conduct, set out in the Second Schedule of the Elections Act, 2011.

"A misunderstanding"

Omar has dismissed the controversy as a misunderstanding. He says his remarks were metaphorical, a figurative way of talking about voter mobilisation and a large turnout, and has described them as satire typical of coastal political speech.

Government distances itself

The remarks drew sharp criticism from the opposition, which demanded action against the ruling party official. Government Spokesperson Charles Owino distanced the administration from the statement, calling it Omar's personal view.

The case comes as the IEBC prepares for the 2027 General Election under heavy public scrutiny of voter register integrity. Claims of "dead voters" on the register have featured in several past election disputes in Kenya.

Possible sanctions

The Electoral Code of Conduct Committee can issue warnings, impose fines or recommend other sanctions against party officials and candidates who breach the code. No ruling had been announced by the time of publication.

Photo: Citizen Digital