United Democratic Alliance Secretary General Hassan Omar was forced to issue an apology and clarification following mounting political backlash over remarks linked to ethnic politics.
In a statement, Omar said his comments had been misinterpreted and taken out of context, insisting they were not intended to insult, offend or target any community.
He maintained that throughout his political career, he has consistently advocated for unity, dignity and equal rights for all Kenyans.
“My comments were never intended to demean, offend, or target any community,” he said.
“Throughout my public life, I have remained firmly committed to upholding the dignity, rights, and unity of all Kenyans. 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,” he added.
A Word on Hassan Omar's Clarification
— ???????? ??????? (@Mucombamacharia) May 24, 2026
When a leader chooses accountability over silence, it deserves acknowledgment.@HassanOmarH, Secretary General of United Democratic Alliance, @UDAKenya., has issued a clarification regarding remarks that caused discomfort among many Kenyans,… pic.twitter.com/15dvBxKDRR
Despite the clarification, Omar acknowledged that some leaders and members of the public, particularly from the Central Kenya region, may have been offended and expressed regret.
“To all those who may have been offended, I sincerely regret the misunderstanding and extend my apology,” the statement read in part.
The apology came amid pressure from political leaders across different camps who accused the UDA Secretary General of promoting ethnic division, warning that such rhetoric could destabilise the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Among those who criticised Omar was Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who accused him of engaging in divisive ethnic politics.
Waiguru cautioned against narratives that alienate communities on ethnic grounds, saying they undermine national cohesion and democratic stability, and called for an apology.
“I strongly stand against the Hassan Omar type of ethnic baiting that seeks to isolate the people of Mt Kenya. He owes our nation an apology,” Waiguru said.
Other leaders from the Mt Kenya region, including Jane Kihara, also criticised the former senator and demanded an apology.
The controversy stemmed from remarks Omar made during a rally in the Coastal region attended by government leaders, including President William Ruto.
During the rally, Omar allegedly accused a section of leaders, including a former Head of State, of being behind a recent public transport strike instead of addressing underlying economic concerns, remarks that triggered criticism from sections of the public.
Some lawmakers argued that the remarks unfairly singled out one of Kenya's voting blocs, which they said overwhelmingly supported President Ruto and the UDA party during the 2022 General Election.