NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has summoned United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar to explain remarks he allegedly made about using the fingerprints of deceased people to vote.
Omar is expected to appear before the commission’s Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee on October 21, 2026, at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.
In a statement, the IEBC said the summons relates to remarks allegedly made by the former Mombasa Senator during a political rally in Jomvu, Mombasa County, on September 11, 2026.
The rally also marked Omar’s declaration of his bid for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
“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,” the commission said.
ODM Leaders Demand Action Over Remarks
Omar’s reported comments sparked controversy, with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders in Mombasa calling for disciplinary action and raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
The controversy centred on remarks interpreted as suggesting that fingerprints belonging to deceased people could be used to cast votes.
Omar later addressed the matter on September 14, saying his comments were metaphorical and intended to highlight concerns about the integrity of the voter register, rather than propose an actual plan to manipulate an election.
IEBC To Examine Remarks Under Electoral Code
The summons gives the electoral commission an opportunity to question Omar over the remarks and assess them under the applicable electoral code of conduct.
The appearance comes as political parties and prospective candidates prepare for the 2027 General Election, with voter registration and the credibility of electoral processes expected to remain key political issues.
Omar’s appearance before the committee is scheduled for October 21, 2026. The IEBC has not announced the outcome of the proceedings.
