NAIROBI, Kenya- A section of leaders from the Mt Kenya region are now demanding disciplinary action and possible removal of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar following remarks they described as divisive and ethnically inflammatory.
The growing backlash erupted after Hassan Omar made controversial comments during a political meeting at the Coast, where critics accused him of unfairly targeting the Mt Kenya region and linking it to political and economic tensions facing the country.
The remarks sparked outrage across the political divide, with several Mt Kenya leaders accusing the UDA Secretary General of fueling ethnic profiling at a sensitive political moment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Among the leaders who strongly condemned Omar’s statements was Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who warned against what she termed “ethnic baiting” targeting the people of Mt Kenya.
“I have stood against ethnic-based politics when espoused by some leaders in Mt Kenya. In equal measure, I strongly stand against the Hassan Omar type of ethnic baiting that seeks to isolate the people of Mt Kenya,” Waiguru said.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara also accused Omar of fueling ethnic hostility and deepening political divisions within the ruling coalition.
KANU spokesman Tony Gachoka joined the criticism, describing Omar’s remarks as offensive and dangerous.
“The UDA hawk Hassan Omar’s derogatory comments against the Kikuyu community are gross,” Gachoka said while calling for leaders across the political divide to condemn the remarks.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi also demanded decisive action against Omar, arguing that leaders should avoid rhetoric capable of inflaming ethnic tensions.
“To my fellow Kikuyus, and indeed all Kenyans, do not be shaken or intimidated. Kenya belongs to all of us equally. We must reject politics of division and stand united in defending justice, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” Muturi said.
The controversy has intensified political tensions within Kenya Kwanza, particularly at a time when President William Ruto is battling declining support in parts of the Mt Kenya region following political fallout with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Facing mounting criticism, Hassan Omar later issued a public apology and clarification, insisting his remarks had been misunderstood and taken out of context.
“My comments were never intended to demean, offend, or target any community,” Omar stated.
He maintained that his comments were made within the context of historical land injustices affecting the Coast region and denied promoting ethnic hostility.
“Nevertheless, I fully appreciate that some of our brothers and sisters, particularly from the Central Kenya region, may have felt aggrieved by the remarks. To all those who may have been offended, I sincerely regret the misunderstanding and extend my apology,” he added.
Despite the apology, pressure continues to pile on the ruling party, with some leaders now pushing UDA to take disciplinary action against its Secretary General to calm tensions and reassure Mt Kenya leaders that the party does not condone ethnic profiling.
