Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has criticised United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar over what she described as divisive ethnic rhetoric targeting the Mt Kenya region.

In a statement on her official X account on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Waiguru equated Omar’s comments to the kind of ethnic politics she has previously opposed from leaders within the Mt Kenya region.

“I have stood against ethnic-based politics when espoused by some leaders in Mt Kenya. In equal measure, I strongly stand against the Hassan Omar type of ethnic baiting that seeks to isolate the people of Mt Kenya,” Waiguru stated.

The remarks come amid growing tensions within the UDA and broader political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Omar, who serves as UDA’s secretary general, has faced backlash for recent statements perceived as profiling or isolating Mt Kenya communities.

“As a nation, we have been there before and we said never again! That approach may excite crowds, but it is short-sighted, undemocratic, and can ultimately only be severely injurious to the nation. He owes our nation an apology,” she added.

Omar’s clarification

Following the uproar, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan has clarified his recent remarks, which drew debate, saying that he was misinterpreted and taken out of context.

In a statement by the Office of the UDA Secretary General on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Omar explained that his comments were not intended to demean, offend, or target any community.

“Following the remarks I made recently, which since appear to have been misinterpreted and taken out of context, I wish to clarify as follows: My comments were never intended to demean, offend, or target any community,” the statement read in part.

The legislator went on to reaffirm his commitment to the dignity, rights, and unity of all Kenyans and that the remarks in question were made within the context of his long-standing advocacy on historical land injustices affecting the coastal region.

While expressing his regret, Omar stated that his utterances were never intended to promote division, hostility, or animosity among communities.

“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,” Omar explained.

Omar’s apology

In addition, Hassan Omar noted that while his intention was not to promote division or hostility, he understands that some individuals, particularly from the Central Kenya region, may have felt offended.

Further extending his apology to all those who were affected, what he described was a “misunderstanding”

“Nevertheless, I fully appreciate that some of our brothers and sisters, particularly from the Central Kenya region, may have felt aggrieved by the remarks. To all those who may have been offended, I sincerely regret the misunderstanding and extend my apology,” he added.