United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General and gubernatorial aspirant, Hassan Omar Hassan, speaking in Mombasa during a consultative meeting on September 14, 2026 /KNA
UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar Hassan has clarified earlier remarks that were interpreted as suggesting possible election rigging through the use of records of deceased voters.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with leaders of Bunge la Wananchi in Mombasa, Hassan said his remarks had been misunderstood, yet he intended to explain the importance of voter registration, participation and ensuring that every vote counts in next year’s General Election.
Hassan said his statement was about encouraging all eligible Kenyans to register as voters, participate in the election and ensure that their votes are counted, rather than advocating for electoral malpractice.
"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,” said Hassan.
The UDA SG also said the party, with the backing of the President of Kenya, would support members of the party who wish to contest for various political seats under the UDA ticket.
“We shall support every aspirant, but we are not backing any zoning in Mombasa County elections,” Hassan said.
He further emphasised the importance of political leaders engaging with public participation structures such as Bunge la Wananchi, saying such platforms play an important role in connecting leaders with citizens at the grassroots.
Hassan said Kenya needed to pursue greater social and economic transformation, adding that the expectations of Kenyans had not yet been fully met and that leaders had a responsibility to deliver on them.
His sentiments were echoed by MCA for Junda Ward, Sysvester Kai, who also said Hassan’s earlier remarks had been misinterpreted and urged Mombasa residents to turn out in large numbers during the elections.
“In Mombasa a vote is not just a vote; it is a vote for change,” said Kai.
Kai called on Bunge la Wananchi leaders to play their role in promoting transformation in Mombasa County, stressing the importance of focusing on actions that would deliver long-term benefits to residents.
“What matters most today is what I will do today should bring transformation tomorrow,” he said.
Kai further emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between elected leaders and Bunge la Wananchi representatives in addressing the challenges facing Mombasa residents.
“I believe we are here today to bring transformation to Mombasa and we are more than enough to bring change to Mombasa,” Kai said.
The Chairman of Bunge la Wananchi, Makani Pius Makani, called for a stronger relationship between UDA leaders and the organisation, urging both sides to work together in addressing the needs and aspirations of Mombasa residents
“We have a government in place that recognises everybody, and we have decided that from the grassroots to the highest level we shall work together,’’ said Makani.
Mombasa Women Rep aspirant, Fatuma Barayan, expressed her gratitude for the work that the Bunge la wananchi is making to the community for the work of advocacy and policies to the community
“I understand the work that the Bunge la Wananchi do in the community, and we must continue having a good relationship with them,’’ said Barayan.
Barayan encouraged the leaders to measure the capacities of all aspirants and choose the right people for the next generation and developments in our county
“We will not allow leaders who don’t understand the policies and needs of what to be done so that the government operates within what the laws allow,” said Barayan.
She further said, it is very important for the country to take into consideration what the Bunge la Wananchi advocates for through its views in society
“The question to ask ourselves today is where we went wrong. What we need to do as leaders and Bunge la Wananchi to the society is what we did not do,” said Barayan.
