The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is under pressure to respond to remarks by United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar on the 2027 General Election, with Government Spokesperson Charles Owino calling for firm action against the ruling party official.
Owino said statements suggesting that deceased people could participate in the election risk creating unnecessary tension and raising doubts about the credibility of the electoral process as the country moves closer to the polls.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, September 14, 2026, the Government Spokesperson said the IEBC should not overlook comments that may affect public trust in the election.
“The head of IEBC is supposed to take stern action against Hassan Omar because that is their mandate. It is equally a very careless statement; you don’t expect that kind of statement from a secretary general of a ruling party. It makes the situation very volatile, and for that reason, he would take responsibility for his statement as an individual,” Owino stated.
Owino was reacting to remarks Omar made during a political gathering in Mombasa, where the UDA Secretary General claimed that even dead people would vote for President William Ruto during the 2027 election.
Omar further suggested that supporters could mobilise deceased voters and use their fingerprints before burial, prompting fresh concerns and debate over how voters are identified and protected from possible abuse of the electoral system.
The remarks have come against the backdrop of growing political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with issues around voter registration, verification and ballot security expected to remain central to political discussions.
The 2027 General Election is scheduled for August 10, 2027.
IEBC explains how KIEMS verifies voters
The IEBC has sought to counter concerns about the possibility of dead people being cleared to vote through biometric verification, saying the system used during elections does not depend on fingerprints alone.
Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits use several biometric details when confirming a voter's identity.
“Hakuna kura itakayo ibiwa. Mashine za KIMS Kit zatumia si vidole tu, lakini pia nembo ya macho. Sasa aliyekufa pia macho yako wazi?” Mukhwana said.
According to the commissioner, the equipment checks biometric details that include fingerprints and iris recognition, making it necessary for a voter to meet more than one form of identification.
"The machines we have rely on biometrics such as fingerprints and irises. So how can a dead person register as a voter or even vote?" he asked.
Mukhwana also urged politicians to be careful about the statements they make, particularly those that could cause Kenyans to lose faith in the electoral commission.
Pressure mounts
The disagreement has placed election credibility back at the centre of attention as the IEBC continues preparations for the 2027 polls and seeks to assure Kenyans that the process will be secure.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon has previously cautioned political leaders against repeatedly claiming that the commission is compromised, warning that such statements could weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
The commission has also released the official election notice outlining the framework for the 2027 General Election.
Owino's demand for action against Omar has added to the focus on how political leaders communicate about the election and the responsibility that comes with holding senior positions within political parties.
As political campaigns gather pace, the IEBC is likely to remain under close scrutiny over its preparations and its ability to maintain confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 vote.