Kenya 2027 election voter integrity controversy

Controversy arose following remarks by United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar regarding the 2027 General Election in Kenya. Speaking in Mombasa, Omar suggested that the fingerprints of deceased registered voters should be collected before burial to be used in the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) system to vote for President William Ruto.

These comments drew criticism from political figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to clarify how the voter register will be cleaned. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also warned that such rhetoric could undermine public confidence.

The IEBC responded by dismissing the claims. Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana stated that the commission’s biometric systems, which utilize fingerprint and iris recognition, require living subjects to function. Government Spokesperson Charles Owino further characterized the remarks as “careless” and a threat to political stability, calling for stern action against Omar.