‘If The Dead Will Vote, Why Do We Need The Living?’ — Mwangangi Demands Action Over Political Violence

By Andrew Mbuva.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has condemned remarks attributed to United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar that “even the dead will wake up and go to vote,” warning that such statements could undermine public confidence in Kenya’s electoral process.

Mwangangi said the remarks were dangerous and questioned why Kenyans should participate in elections if deceased persons could allegedly be mobilised to vote.

“If the dead will wake up and vote, what is the role of those of us who are alive? It is our duty as citizens to elect our governors and Members of County Assembly,” Mwangangi said.

Speaking during a church service at Salvation Army Kathiini in Kangundo East on Sunday, the Deputy Governor challenged the ruling party to take disciplinary action if it did not support the remarks.

He argued that had similar comments been made by an opposition leader, security agencies would likely have been deployed to pursue and intimidate the speaker.

“If the ruling party is not party to those statements, let them first expel him as their Secretary-General and send the same ‘zubarus’ they use against opposition leaders to deal with him. That is a very dangerous statement,” he said.

Mwangangi also raised alarm over the resurgence of political violence, citing recent chaos witnessed during Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s event in Embu, where people were reportedly killed and several vehicles torched.

He further referenced violence witnessed in Garissa, saying such incidents were a threat to Kenya’s peace, unity and development.

“It is very unfortunate that we are witnessing goonism even at events attended by our President. Why can’t we just stop it?” he posed.

The Deputy Governor called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Ministry of Interior to take firm action against political violence and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

He challenged authorities to demonstrate seriousness by taking action against political leaders linked to violence, regardless of their political affiliation.

“We want to see somebody take responsibility for what happened in Garissa and somebody take responsibility for what happened in Embu. If we are serious, let us see action,” he said.

Mwangangi urged the clergy to pray for Kenya and specifically ask God to prevent politicians who exploit unemployed young people to organise violence from ever ascending to public office.

He said political leaders should focus on uniting Kenyans rather than mobilising youths for chaos.

“Where there is no peace, there can never be development,” he said, urging religious leaders to encourage voters to elect leaders who promote unity, peace and national cohesion.

He also called on Kenyans to carefully scrutinise candidates ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the country needed leaders committed to bringing people together and advancing the public good.