Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has sharply criticised United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar, accusing him of promoting divisive politics and targeting communities for political gain.

In a statement shared on his official social media page on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Kahiga directly challenged Omar to resign from his party position, drawing parallels with his own past resignation from the Council of Governors’ leadership.

“People like you, Hassan Omar, our appointed UDA Secretary General, are a great liability to the party, to Kenyans and to all people of goodwill,” Kahiga said. He accused Omar of trying to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines and questioned his leadership role in government.

Kahiga said Omar had no moral authority to criticise others over past political statements, arguing that he himself had previously taken responsibility for controversial remarks. He referred to an earlier incident in which he stepped down from office after public backlash.

“When you try to demonise an entire community just because you think Kenyans have forgotten your role in the ICC matters, it is a tragedy,” he said, without elaborating further on the ICC reference.

He added that he had previously faced criticism for remarks linked to opposition leader Raila Odinga and said he accepted responsibility at the time.

“You were on record bashing me for my purported remarks on RT HON RAILA ODINGA’S DEATH! I took responsibility for both the intended and perceived meanings and resigned as Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors, a position I had earned through an election, not an appointment,” Kahiga said.

He then directly challenged Omar to follow the same course of action.

“I now challenge you to do the same! Resign from your appointed position of UDA Secretary General!” he said.

Omar faces mounting pressure

The remarks come at a time when political leaders from both government and opposition are trading blame over rising ethnic tensions in national politics. Jubilee allies in Juja, Kiambu County, also accused senior government officials of using former President Uhuru Kenyatta as a scapegoat instead of focusing on economic challenges facing the country.

At the centre of the current dispute are comments made by Hassan Omar, which some leaders say targeted the Mt Kenya region and risked inflaming ethnic divisions. Omar has since faced strong criticism from leaders across the political divide, who have urged restraint and respect for all communities.

Several leaders, including Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, have warned that such remarks could undermine national unity. They have also called on political leaders to focus on service delivery rather than ethnic narratives ahead of the 2027 general election.

Omar later issued an apology, saying his remarks were misinterpreted and were meant to highlight historical land injustices affecting the Coast region. He said he remained committed to national unity and respect for all communities.

Despite the apology, pressure continues to mount on him from political leaders demanding accountability and, in some cases, resignation.