United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan has issued an apology regarding controversial remarks he made during a party meeting in the Coastal region.
Hassan issued the apology as leaders from Mt. Kenya region accused the ruling party’s administrator of fueling tribal rhetoric and unnecessarily dragging former President Uhuru Kenyatta into partisan political exchanges.
Despite offering his regrets, Hassan maintained a firm defense of his intentions, clarifying that his statements had been deeply misinterpreted and taken entirely out of context.
He emphasised that his speech was never designed to alienate or attack any specific ethnic group.
Instead, he asserted that his presentation was part of his long-standing, well-documented advocacy concerning land grievances affecting indigenous populations in the Coast province.
“The remarks in question were made within the context of my long-standing advocacy on historical land injustices affecting the Coastal region, and were never intended to promote division, hostility, or animosity among communities,” Hassan stated.
The UDA Secretary General reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the dignity, rights, and unity of all Kenyans, noting that his political career has consistently focused on addressing structural inequalities rather than stoking ethnic balkanization.
He underscored that his regional engagement aimed to find
lasting legal and policy solutions for coastal landlessness, which remains a
highly sensitive issue in Kenyan politics, as opposed to fueling animosity and
division among different communities living in the area.
Recognising the severe political friction his address caused, Omar extended a direct olive branch to those who felt targeted by his commentary, particularly residents and political actors from the Central Kenya region.
He noted that while his intention was entirely pure, he fully appreciates that some individuals, particularly from the Central Kenya region, may have felt aggrieved or offended by the interpretations of his remarks.
Consequently, he expressed sincere regret for the misunderstanding and extended a formal apology to heal the growing rift within the ruling political coalition.
Even before Hassan’s public apology, a wave of condemnation swept through Mt Kenya’s political brass, with key leaders firmly drawing a line against what they perceived as ethnic profiling and profiling-based tactics.
Among the most vocal critics was Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who strongly censured the UDA Secretary General’s approach.
Waiguru reiterated her consistent track record of opposing tribalistic manoeuvres within her own political backyard and demanded the same standard from leaders representing other regions.
“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 stated defensively.
Others who criticised the Secretary General were Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, Kiambaa MP John Kawanjiku and Nakuru governor Susan Kihika.
