IEBC begins hearing against Hassan Omar over ‘dead voters’ remarks

Kenya, October 21, 2026 - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has started hearing the case against UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar. The hearing is taking place at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi on 21 October 2026.

The Commission’s lawyer told the Electoral Code of Conduct Committee that Omar made statements at a public rally in Mombasa on 11 September. In those remarks, he spoke about using the fingerprints of dead people to vote. The Commission says these words can make the public lose trust in free and fair elections.

A recording of the rally was played during the hearing. The Commission’s side said the words were clear and were spoken in front of a listening crowd. They argued that as a senior party official, Omar’s statements carry weight and can shape how people view the electoral process.

Omar’s lawyers raised objections. They said the charges were not written in plain and clear language. They also said some of the words used in the recording had not been properly translated, and that no sworn statement from a complainant had been provided.

The lawyers asked the Committee to first decide on these objections. They said they were ready to continue with the main case and did not want the hearing delayed.

The Chair of the Committee said the members needed time to discuss the objections. The Committee then took a short 15-minute break to decide the next step.