The United Democratic Alliance (United Democratic Alliance) Secretary General Omar Hassan has responded to criticism following his recent remarks touching on the Mt. Kenya region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 24, Omar said his comments had been misunderstood and taken out of context.
He maintained that he did not intend to offend or demean any community and reiterated his commitment to promoting national unity.
UDA Secretary General Omar Hassan Responds to Mt. Kenya Remarks Backlash. Photo: Courtesy.
Omar further clarified that his remarks were linked to his long-standing advocacy on historical land injustices affecting the Coastal region, rather than an attempt to incite ethnic division.
The United Democratic Alliance SG acknowledged that some Kenyans, particularly from the Central Kenya region, may have been offended by his recent remarks and has issued an apology over the misunderstanding.
His statement follows mounting political backlash from leaders who accused him of making divisive comments.
Among those who criticized him was Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who condemned the remarks as ethnic baiting and warned against politics that could inflame divisions.
Waiguru defended the Tutam movement, stating that it is founded on national unity and inclusivity, and urged leaders to avoid rhetoric that could harm cohesion in the country.
Omar had earlier made remarks during a briefing at the UDA headquarters that were interpreted as targeting the Mt Kenya region over its political stance toward President William Ruto, sparking widespread criticism.
