The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has found United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar guilty of violating the Electoral Code of Conduct over remarks he made during a public rally in Mombasa.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, the commission said Omar had been summoned to appear before its Committee on October 21 to respond to allegations of making inflammatory statements at a rally held on September 11.
Omar honoured the summons and appeared before the committee in person, accompanied by his lawyer. He was given an opportunity to address the allegations and present his defence before the committee examined the evidence and submissions.
Following its review, the committee concluded that Omar had contravened paragraphs 6(k)(i) and 6(l) of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
IEBC said it took into account the circumstances surrounding the remarks, including Omar’s explanation that he had used figurative language to encourage voter registration and public participation in elections.
The commission also considered his subsequent clarification and the fact that no actual electoral incident had been reported as a result of the statements.
However, the committee determined that the remarks, interpreted in their original Kiswahili wording and within their context, suggested the use of a deceased person’s biometric identification to cast a vote in their name.
According to IEBC, such statements undermined the obligation under the Electoral Code to reassure voters about the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
The commission consequently issued Omar with a formal and strict warning, alongside a severe caution under paragraph 7(a)(i) of the Code.
He was also directed to observe the Electoral Code for the remainder of the applicable election period and avoid statements or actions that could be interpreted as encouraging electoral malpractice or weakening public confidence in the voting process.
IEBC further cautioned that any repeat of similar conduct would attract tougher penalties under the Electoral Code and relevant laws.
The commission urged political leaders, candidates, political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The warning comes amid heightened scrutiny of political conduct ahead of the next polls.
IEBC Clarifies Foreign Applicants in CEO Recruitment
Separately, the commission recently explained why foreign nationals appeared on the list of candidates who applied for the position of Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer.
In a statement released on Friday, October 30, IEBC said it had engaged KPMG Kenya to oversee the recruitment process, including advertising the vacancy, receiving applications, conducting preliminary assessments, verifying credentials and preparing the shortlist.
The commission said it received 304 applications and published the names of all applicants in line with constitutional provisions on transparency and fair competition.
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IEBC explained that the vacancy had been advertised publicly through newspapers, its website and social media platforms, allowing interested individuals to apply regardless of nationality.
It maintained that receiving applications from foreign nationals was not unusual in an open recruitment exercise, although not every applicant would meet the eligibility requirements.
The commission subsequently reviewed applicants’ national identification documents, citizenship status and academic qualifications before finalising the shortlist.
IEBC confirmed that only Kenyan citizens were included in the final list, adding that all foreign applicants had been eliminated at the preliminary stage for failing to meet the citizenship requirement.