NAIROBI, Kenya – United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar has refused to apologise over his controversial remarks suggesting that even deceased Kenyans should vote for President William Ruto, insisting he was using a figure of speech to encourage voter registration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Omar maintained his position on Wednesday, October 21, when he appeared before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee to respond to the remarks he made at a political rally in Mombasa on September 11.
The former Mombasa Senator argued that his words had been taken out of context and were intended to encourage residents of the Coast region to register as voters and participate in elections.
He insisted that UDA had no reason to engage in electoral malpractice, claiming the party was confident of victory in the next general election.
“I cannot jeopardize an election that is just a formality that we will win… we are on the verge of victory,” Omar said.
His appearance followed a summons issued by the electoral commission after the remarks attracted criticism and raised questions about electoral integrity.
Omar Says Dead Voters Remark Was a Figure of Speech
The controversy stems from remarks Omar made during a gathering in Mombasa, where he appeared to suggest that fingerprints belonging to deceased people could be used in the biometric voter registration system to cast ballots for Ruto.
“Hata mtu akiwa amekufa tuchukuwe kidole chake kabla hatujamzika kutoka kwa ile BVR tupige kura yake,” Omar said, in remarks that triggered public criticism.
During Wednesday’s hearing, IEBC advocate Nancy Koros argued that the statement encouraged the unlawful use of biometric information to facilitate voting in the names of deceased people.
Omar rejected that interpretation, arguing that his words were metaphorical and should be understood within the context of encouraging voter registration in the Coast region.
“Lingual diversity… what is said in Mombasa may not be offensive,” he responded.
His lawyer, Kibet Kirui, told the committee that the statement was meant to encourage living residents to participate in elections rather than propose that dead people be allowed to vote.
“Figuratively, that meant not even death can keep you away from voting,” Kirui argued.
The defence maintained that Omar was addressing concerns about low voter registration and seeking to persuade residents to turn out in greater numbers.
UDA Secretary General Insists He Owes IEBC No Apology
Omar remained unapologetic, arguing that his remarks did not amount to an endorsement of electoral fraud.
He also maintained that UDA respected the IEBC’s constitutional mandate and would not undermine the credibility of an election it expected to win.
In his defence, Omar asked the committee to consider the political and regional context of his remarks, rather than interpret them as a literal proposal to use deceased people’s fingerprints.
Reports from the hearing indicate that his legal team asked the committee to dismiss the allegations, arguing that the remarks did not establish a breach of the electoral code. They also suggested that a formal warning would be sufficient if the committee found grounds for any sanction.
Omar’s position places the dispute on two competing interpretations: his defence that the statement was political rhetoric intended to mobilise voters, and the commission’s concern that such language could encourage or appear to endorse unlawful electoral conduct.
The committee is expected to make its determination after considering the evidence and representations presented during the proceedings. The summons and hearing do not, by themselves, amount to a finding of wrongdoing.
IEBC Scrutiny Intensifies Ahead of 2027 Poll
The case comes as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The IEBC has warned political actors to exercise restraint in their public statements and conduct, emphasising the need to protect peaceful participation, respect the law and maintain confidence in the electoral process.
Omar’s remarks have drawn particular attention because they touched on biometric voter registration and the participation of deceased voters, issues that carry implications for the credibility of elections.
The commission is examining the matter under the Electoral Code of Conduct provided for in the Second Schedule of the Elections Act, 2011.
No final determination had been announced at the time of reporting.
Reuben Ndolo Also Summoned Over Goons Remarks
Separately, former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo has been summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over remarks he made during a church service in Donholm, Nairobi, on October 18.
Ndolo is expected to appear before the commission on Monday, October 26, to respond to questions about statements in which he described mobilising and transporting youths from different areas, including Busia, Luanda and Bondo.
His remarks also referred to political rivalry and events surrounding the first anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.
The NCIC is investigating the statements under provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act and has said Ndolo will have an opportunity to respond before the commission makes its determination.
