NAIROBI, Kenya — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the country’s security leadership to resist divisive politics and safeguard national unity amid growing political tensions sparked by controversial remarks from United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar.
Speaking during a Jubilee Party delegates’ meeting in Kiambu County on Monday, Uhuru cautioned leaders against inflammatory rhetoric and appealed for responsible leadership at a time when the country is facing heightened political temperatures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“I urge the country’s security leaders not to allow divisive politics to continue,” Uhuru said in remarks widely interpreted as a response to the ongoing uproar surrounding Hassan Omar’s comments targeting the Mt Kenya region and the Kikuyu community.
The former President also called on leaders to focus on policies and national cohesion instead of political hostility and ethnic profiling.
“I beg the government leaders, if you truly love our country, do not allow the tears to continue. If you want the good of the nation, leaders, sell policies,” Uhuru stated.
Uhuru’s remarks came as pressure continued mounting on Hassan Omar following backlash over comments critics described as anti-Kikuyu and ethnically divisive.
The UDA Secretary General was forced to issue a public apology on Sunday after leaders across the political divide accused him of profiling the Kikuyu community during remarks linked to anti-government protests and opposition politics.
“My comments were never intended to demean, offend, or target any community,” Omar said in his apology while insisting his remarks had been taken out of context.
However, the apology failed to calm the political storm, with several leaders allied to both government and opposition camps condemning the remarks.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru accused Omar of engaging in “ethnic baiting” aimed at isolating the Mt Kenya region, while Nyali MP Mohamed Ali urged him to respect former President Uhuru Kenyatta and tone down anti-Kikuyu sentiments.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka also accused UDA of promoting ethnic profiling and warned that such statements risk reopening historical divisions in the country.
Political analysts have warned that the exchange of ethnic-based accusations between rival political camps could heighten tensions as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
During the Kiambu meeting, Uhuru reiterated that Jubilee remained a national party and urged Kenyans to reject politics of division.
“As the leader of this party, if there is one thing I am proud of, I am proud of the fact that our party is not a party of a particular region; our party is a national party,” he said.
