UDA's Hassan Omar Apologizes After Uproar Over 'Kikuyu' Remarks

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Hassan Omar has apologized following widespread criticism over remarks that were interpreted as targeting people from Central Kenya, saying he never intended to offend or promote animosity among communities.

In a clarification statement issued this morning under the letterhead of the United Democratic Alliance Secretary General’s office, the UDA official said his comments had been “misinterpreted and taken out of context,” insisting they were made in the context of his long-standing advocacy on historical land injustices affecting the Coastal region.

“My comments were never intended to demean, offend, or target any community,” Omar said in the statement.

The UDA Secretary General further stated that he remains committed to “upholding the dignity, rights, and unity of all Kenyans,” adding that his remarks were not meant to promote “division, hostility, or animosity among communities.”

Omar acknowledged that some people from Central Kenya may have felt offended by the remarks and offered an apology.

“To all those who may have been offended, I sincerely regret the misunderstanding and extend my apology,” he said.

The clarification followed mounting criticism from political leaders and members of the public who accused the senior ruling party official of ethnic profiling and making divisive statements.

Among the most vocal critics was Bahati MP Irene Njoki, who publicly rebuked Omar over the remarks during interviews and online statements. In a video circulated online, the MP accused the UDA Secretary General of “profiling communities” and warned against rhetoric that could deepen ethnic tensions in the country.

Njoki said Omar’s remarks were disrespectful to leaders and residents from the Mt Kenya region and urged national leaders to exercise restraint in public discourse. The lawmaker made the remarks during media interviews shared online on May 24.

Political activist and former Kiharu MP aspirant Ndungu Nyoro also weighed into the controversy through a Facebook statement criticizing Omar and accusing him of fueling division within the Kenya Kwanza coalition. In the post published on May 20, Nyoro described Omar as “the schemer” behind what he termed political attacks against Mt Kenya leaders.

Meanwhile, ODM-allied politician Ali Nur defended Omar and dismissed the backlash as politically motivated attacks linked to opposition politics. In a Facebook post, Nur accused critics of using the controversy to advance anti-government narratives.

The controversy has once again exposed simmering tensions within Kenya Kwanza and the broader political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election, where regional political influence and ethnic rhetoric are increasingly becoming central campaign issues.

Omar, a former Mombasa senator and current East African Legislative Assembly member, took over as UDA Secretary General in 2024 after previously serving as the party’s vice chairperson.