NAIROBI, Kenya — Pressure is mounting on United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar after Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Kawanjiku declared that he must resign over controversial remarks perceived to target the Mt Kenya community.
Speaking amid growing outrage within Kenya Kwanza ranks, the outspoken legislator warned that some leaders could reconsider their membership in the ruling party if Omar remains in office.
“Hassan Omar must resign. If he doesn’t resign, we cannot continue to be members of UDA,” the Kiambaa MP said as divisions deepened within the party.
The remarks come days after Omar sparked political uproar following comments critics described as ethnically divisive and inflammatory toward the Mt Kenya region during a political event at the Coast.
Several leaders allied to President William Ruto from the Mt Kenya region have since condemned the UDA Secretary General, accusing him of undermining national unity and fuelling ethnic tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Among those who have criticised Omar are Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami and other UDA politicians from Central Kenya.
The leaders have dismissed Omar’s apology as insufficient, insisting that the comments damaged trust within the ruling coalition.
Following mounting criticism, Omar issued a public clarification, saying his remarks had been misunderstood and taken out of context. He maintained that he never intended to attack any community and said he remained opposed to tribal politics.
The controversy has exposed widening cracks within the ruling coalition, with analysts warning that tensions over succession politics, regional influence and internal competition could intensify as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
Political observers say the rebellion from Mt Kenya leaders signals growing discomfort within sections of UDA over the party’s handling of sensitive ethnic and political issues.
