NAKURU, Kenya- Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has criticised UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar over remarks she described as ethnic baiting targeting the Mt Kenya community.
The Governor has warned that such rhetoric risks undermining national unity.
In a statement, the Nakuru Governor said she has consistently opposed ethnic-based politics regardless of who promotes it, adding that leaders must avoid statements capable of dividing Kenyans along tribal lines.
“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,” Kihika stated.
The governor insisted that the “Tutam” movement remains a national political movement that should not be associated with hate speech or divisive politics.
“The Tutam movement, to which we remain fully committed, is a national movement that does not legitimize the spewing of ethnic hatred, however couched,” she said.
Kihika further warned that Kenya has previously suffered from ethnic tensions and should never return to such politics.
“As a nation, we have been there before and we said never again. That approach may excite crowds, but it is short-sighted, undemocratic, and can ultimately only be severely injurious to the nation,” she added.
The governor demanded that Omar apologise to Kenyans over the controversial remarks that have sparked widespread political debate and criticism online.
The statement comes amid heightened political tension following recent protests over the high cost of living, rising fuel prices and increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Omar, the Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance, has since claimed he was misquoted and that his remarks were taken out of context.
