Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has demanded that President William Ruto personally account for divisive remarks made by United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, describing them as ethnic profiling that risks reigniting historical community tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Saturday, May 24, 2026, at ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kenol, Murang’a County, Musyoka said statements from a ruling party secretary general cannot be taken lightly.

“We cannot take anything said lightly by a secretary general of the ruling political party,” he asserted, adding that the comments amounted to ethnic profiling.

Kalonzo called for accountability beyond Omar’s apology, urging action through institutions, including the International Criminal Court (ICC) if necessary. “It is not enough for the Secretary General of UDA to apologise. His party leader must be held to account for those statements,” he said.

He proposed that Ruto and Omar be reported jointly to the ICC, citing the profiling of an entire community “as if we have not suffered before”.

Calls for action

The Wiper leader also criticised the National Cohesion and Integration Commission for “sleeping on the job” and praised ongoing efforts by figures like Justin Muturi, chair of the People’s Restorative Justice Commission, while noting documentation of evidence against entities like Safaricom in related matters.

He prayed for national unity but warned that unchecked elements of hatred and division could lead to worse outcomes. “I believe God will keep this nation united; thus, those elements of hatred and division will not prevail, but we must put them precisely,” Musyoka emphasised.

The remarks stemmed from Omar’s speech in Mombasa, where he linked protests, land injustices at the Coast, and political tensions involving the Mt Kenya region and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Critics interpreted the comments as targeting the Kikuyu community, sparking widespread outrage.

Political backlash

KANU spokesman Tony Gachoka strongly condemned the remarks on X, calling them “gross” and “offensive”. “The UDA hawk Hassan Omar’s derogatory comments against the Kikuyu community are gross, and as a proud Kenyan, I join the wholesale condemnation of this idiocy,” he posted.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru rejected ethnic baiting, stating she stands against it regardless of origin. Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara accused Ruto and Omar of fuelling ethnic hostility, warning of deepening divisions within the ruling coalition. Mutahi Kahiga has since called for Omar’s resignation as UDA Secretary General.

Omar issued an apology on May 24, clarifying that his comments were misunderstood and focused on historical land injustices at the Coast. “My comments were never intended to demean, offend, or target any community,” he said, extending a sincere apology to those aggrieved, particularly from Central Kenya.

The controversy has intensified debates on ethnic politics as alliances shift ahead of 2027, with leaders from Mt Kenya raising concerns over rhetoric that could undermine national unity within Kenya Kwanza.