By Miraj Guo
September 14, 2026
UDA Secretary General Hassan Sarai has rejected claims that his recent “dead voters” remarks were an indication of a plan to rig votes in the upcoming General Election.
Sarai said his remarks were intended to encourage residents in the Coast region to turn out in large numbers on Election Day and exercise their democratic right to vote.
Speaking during a Sunday service at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Michael and All Angels Parish in Vikwatani, Mtopanga Ward, Kisauni Constituency, Sarai maintained that his statement had been taken out of context by his political critics.
“I was advising residents in the coastal region to register as voters,” Sarai said, explaining that his intention was to encourage residents to register as voters and actively participate in the electoral process.”
He dismissed suggestions that his remarks were linked to a scheme to manipulate the outcome of the election, insisting that his message was simply a call for greater voter participation.
Sarai urged eligible residents to ensure they are registered and come out in large numbers to cast their ballots, saying voting remains a fundamental democratic right through which citizens choose their leaders.
Mombasa Women Representative Barayan also defended Sarai, rejecting the interpretation that his remarks were an indication of a plan to steal votes.
Barayan said Sarai’s message should instead be understood as a call to Mombasa residents to turn up in large numbers and exercise their constitutional right to vote.
“Sarai was encouraging the people of Mombasa to come out in large numbers and vote. His message was about voter participation and ensuring that residents exercise their democratic right,” Barayan said.”
She maintained that residents should not allow political interpretations to discourage them from participating in the electoral process, urging eligible voters to register and turn out on Election Day.
The two leaders called on Coast residents to take voter registration and electoral participation seriously, saying a high voter turnout would give residents an opportunity to determine the leadership they want.
Sarai also reiterated calls for fresh leadership in Mombasa, arguing that residents deserve leaders who prioritise accountability, transparency, development and effective service delivery.
He urged voters to make informed choices and elect leaders who will put the interests of the people of Mombasa first.
