NAIROBI, Kenya- United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar has claimed he was misquoted following public backlash over remarks that were widely interpreted as targeting members of the Kikuyu community during the ongoing political debate over anti-government criticism and national unity.
The United Democratic Alliance Secretary General came under intense criticism on social media and from political leaders after clips of his remarks circulated online, sparking accusations of ethnic profiling and divisive politics.
In a clarification issued after the uproar, Omar denied promoting tribalism, insisting his comments had been taken out of context and distorted for political purposes.
“My comments were never intended to demean, offend, or target any community,” the controversial UDA Secretary General said.
He maintained that he opposes ethnic politics and was instead cautioning against attempts to exploit public frustration over the economy to incite ethnic divisions and political 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 said.
The controversy emerged amid rising political tension in the country following protests linked to the high cost of living, soaring fuel prices and growing dissatisfaction with the government.
Critics, however, accused the UDA official of using language that risked inflaming ethnic tensions at a time when the country is facing economic hardship and political polarisation.
Several leaders and civil society voices warned that ethnic rhetoric could undermine national cohesion and reopen historical divisions that Kenya has struggled to overcome over the years.
Some of the divisive remarks were made during an event attended by President William Ruto in Mombasa, where Omar said he hates “them” and they would never rise to power again.
To many, “them” meant the Kikuyu community, which has produced three Presidents, and overwhelmingly supported President Ruto in 2022.
“That approach may excite crowds, but it is short-sighted, undemocratic, and can ultimately only be severely injurious to the nation. He owes our nation an apology,” Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru.
