NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 14 — The 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 he made about deceased voters at a political rally in Mombasa.

📻 Breaking It Down

Omar, who is eyeing a fresh bid for the county’s governorship, is required to appear before the committee on Wednesday, October 21.

The summons comes weeks after the former Mombasa Senator dismissed the controversy as a misunderstanding, insisting that his remarks were metaphorical and referred to voter mobilisation and turnout rather than deceased Kenyans literally casting ballots.

In a clarification issued on September 15, Omar accused his critics of deliberately misinterpreting his message, maintaining that his political side was preparing to mobilise supporters to turn out in large numbers during the 2027 General Election.

📌 What You Need to Know

“Kwa hivyo sisi tutajitokeza kwa fujo. Hiyo ndiyo metaphor,” Omar said in remarks translated to mean, “So we will turn out in large numbers. That is the metaphor.”

He explained that his reference to people turning out kwa fujo (in large numbers) was intended figuratively to describe a large voter turnout.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, IEBC said the matter had been brought to its attention and was being considered under the Electoral Code of Conduct contained in the Second Schedule of the Elections Act, 2011.

The commission said the summons would give Omar an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the committee makes a determination.

“The Committee will make its determination only after considering the material and representations before it,” IEBC said, adding that it expected the UDA official to honour the summons and cooperate with the proceedings.

The commission emphasised that the process would uphold the right to fair administrative action and the right to be heard.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya