Senator Hassan Omar Hassan, Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), issued a formal clarification and apology today following backlash over his recent remarks on historical land injustices at the Coast, which many interpreted as targeting the Kikuyu community.
In the official letter dated today and stamped by the party, Omar stated:
“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.
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.
Nevertheless, I fully appreciate that some of our brothers and sisters, particularly from the Central Kenya region, may have felt aggrieved by the remarks.
The apology has been firmly rejected.
Vocal Jubilee leader Pauline Njoroge, reacting to the UDA letter on X, posted the document prominently stamped with the word “TAKATAKA” in red and captioned: “Apologies za takataka. NOT ACCEPTED!”The swift and public rejection highlights deep ethnic tensions within the ruling UDA coalition and the broader “tutam” (likely “Tuta M” or similar national unity push) movement.
Critics argue Omar’s clarification fails to directly retract the substance of his earlier statements, while supporters maintain he was simply addressing legitimate historical coastal grievances.
The episode comes at a sensitive time as Kenya’s political players position themselves ahead of future electoral cycles, with Mt. Kenya leaders increasingly vocal against perceived attempts to isolate the region.
Prominent responses quickly poured in, with many viewing the clarification as inadequate and the original remarks as ethnic baiting.
Governor Anne Waiguru issued a strong rebuke, declaring:
“I strongly stand against Hassan Omar type of ethnic baiting that seeks to isolate the people of Mt Kenya. The ‘tutam’ movement, to which we remain fully committed, is a national movement that does not legitimise the spewing of ethnic hatred.”