The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has summoned former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar to appear before its Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee over controversial remarks he allegedly made about voting by deceased Kenyans.
In a press statement dated Wednesday, October 14 and obtained by Vantage Ke, IEBC directed Omar to appear before the committee on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.
"The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), through its Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, has summoned Hon. Hassan Omar to appear before the Committee on 21st October 2026 at Anniversary Towers," the statement read in part.
"The summons arises from statements allegedly made by the former Senator at a public rally in Mombasa County on 11th September 2026 on voting by deceased voters. The matter was brought to the Commission’s attention and is being considered under the Electoral Code of Conduct set out in the Second Schedule of the Elections Act, 2011."
The commission did not announce any findings against Omar, saying the committee would consider the available material and his response before making a determination.
IEBC Explains Why Hassan Omar Must Appear
The electoral commission said the summons was intended to give Omar an opportunity to respond to the allegations before any decision is made.
It emphasised that the proceedings would follow the principles of fair administrative action and the right to be heard.
"The summons gives the former Senator an opportunity to respond to the allegations, in keeping with the right to fair administrative action and the right to be heard," the statement read.
IEBC added that the committee would make its determination only after considering the material presented before it, while urging the former senator to cooperate with the proceedings.
"The Committee will make its determination only after considering the material and representations before it," the commission stated.
The summons places Omar's remarks under the scrutiny of the electoral body's enforcement mechanism as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The remarks triggered an immediate backlash from the opposition, with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders in Mombasa calling for disciplinary action and raising concerns about possible electoral manipulation.
On September 14, Omar sought to clarify his comments, insisting that they were metaphorical and meant to highlight concerns about the integrity of the voter register rather than suggest an actual plot.
UDA members have also joined the calls for action against the EALA MP, demanding disciplinary measures that include his removal from the position of Secretary General.
IEBC Issues Warning to Politicians Ahead of 2027 Elections
Beyond the summons, IEBC has called on political leaders, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint in their public statements and conduct as the country approaches the next General Election.
The commission said political participants must respect the Constitution, the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct to protect the credibility of the electoral process.
It added that the law provides a framework for reporting, investigating and, where appropriate, enforcing action against breaches of the electoral code.
IEBC also reaffirmed its commitment to handling complaints independently and impartially.
"The Commission will continue to act independently and impartially and will take appropriate action on credible complaints of breaches of the Code," the statement added.
The commission further called on political actors to promote peaceful competition, tolerance and respect for the rule of law.
"With the 2027 General Election approaching, the Commission urges political leaders, candidates, supporters and all other participants to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public utterances and conduct," IEBC stated.
