UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar /FILEThe 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 over remarks alleging that dead voters would cast ballots in the 2027 General Election.
In a statement, the commission directed Omar to appear before the committee on October 21 at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.
The summons follow remarks the former senator made at a public rally in Mombasa county on September 11, 2026.
Omar sparked outrage when he said the ruling UDA would do whatever it takes to ensure President William Ruto is re-elected, including using the biometrics of dead voters to cast ballots in his favour.
"Hata mtu akiwa amekufa tuchukuwe kidole chake kabla hatujamzika kutoka kwa ile BVR tupige kura yake," he said.
He later maintained that his remarks had been taken out of context.
In a statement issued on September 15, Omar accused his critics of deliberately misinterpreting his remarks, insisting that he had been referring to voter mobilisation and turnout rather than suggesting that deceased Kenyans would literally cast ballots.
“Tukatoa kitu zinaitwa metaphor. Kwani nyinyi mmesoma wapi? Shuleni gani mlikuwa nyinyi? Ama mnafikiria sisi hatukusoma na hatujui kujieleza kwamba kila vote must count on the day of the election,” he said.
IEBC said the summons would give Omar an opportunity to defend himself against allegations brought to the commission's attention that his remarks may have violated the Electoral Code of Conduct.
"The summons gives the former senator an opportunity to respond to the allegations, in keeping with the right to fair administrative action and the right to be heard. The committee will make its determination only after considering the material and representations before it," the commission said.
The electoral agency pledged to handle the matter impartially, assuring all those appearing before the committee of a fair opportunity to present their cases.
IEBC is mandated to promote and safeguard the integrity of Kenya's electoral processes, including ensuring that all participants conduct themselves in accordance with the Constitution, the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the commission urged political leaders, candidates, supporters and other participants to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public utterances and conduct.
It also called for tolerance and respect for the rule of law, describing them as cornerstones of a democratic process.
In the statement signed by IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon, the commission said it would issue further information on the matter after the conclusion of the proceedings.
