Kenya: Controversy follows Hassan Omar’s comments on deceased voters

During an address in Mombasa reported by Citizen Digital, Hassan Omar urged UDA supporters to rally for William Ruto’s re-election and mentioned the idea of using the finger of a recently deceased person in the biometric system to register a vote. These remarks quickly fueled the debate over the integrity of the electoral register with less than a year to go before the election.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Secretary General of the ODM, called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to summon Hassan Omar, arguing that statements from a senior official of the ruling party could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. Former Vice President Rigathi Gachagua also urged the chairperson of the IEBC, Erastus Ethekon, to publicly clarify the safeguards surrounding the register.

Musalia Mudavadi, Chief Cabinet Secretary, warned against statements that could fuel suspicions of electoral manipulation. He asserted that the 2027 elections must be free and fair, as the political campaign gradually intensifies.

The IEBC claims to have established mechanisms to maintain an accurate and up-to-date register. In a statement dated February 16, 2026, the Commission indicated it is working with civil registration services to confirm deaths and legally remove deceased individuals from the electoral roll. It also reminded that biometric verification is part of the procedures for managing registrations and transfers.

The controversy arises amid increasing competition between the UDA and its opponents. Rigathi Gachagua’s camp is particularly continuing discussions on selecting a common opposition candidate, a matter already central to the political preparations for 2027. The IEBC is currently setting the general elections for August 10, 2027, and presenting a reliable register as one of its core responsibilities.