“Taken Out of Context”: UDA SG Hassan Omar Clarifies Coastal Land Remarks, Issues Public Apology

By Gedion Nzyoki - 

• The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan has issued a public clarification and apology following backlash over his recent remarks on Coastal land issues.
• Several Mt. Kenya leaders condemned the comments, describing them as divisive and warning against ethnic-based politics.
• President William Ruto says the government is moving to permanently resolve historical land injustices and absentee landlord challenges at the Coast.

Nairobi, Kenya | May 24, 2026 –The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan has issued a public clarification and apology following mounting criticism over recent remarks that sparked outrage among sections of Kenyans, particularly from the Central Kenya region.

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan speaks during a past event. Photo: Courtesy.

Through a clarification statement shared by the UDA Party on its Facebook page on Sunday afternoon, May 24, the former Mombasa Senator defended his remarks, saying they had been misunderstood and interpreted in a manner that suggested he was targeting a specific community. He maintained that his intention was not to demean or offend any group of Kenyans.

“Following the remarks I made recently, which appear to have been misinterpreted and taken out of context, I wish to clarify as follows,” the statement read.

The UDA Secretary General maintained that throughout his public life, he has remained firmly committed to upholding the dignity, rights, and unity of all Kenyans, regardless of their ethnic or regional background.

According to Hassan Omar, the remarks in question were made within the broader context of his long-standing advocacy against historical land injustices affecting the Coastal region.

“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 stated.

The clarification comes amid growing public debate and political criticism after his earlier comments were widely perceived as profiling members of the Kikuyu community in relation to historical land ownership disputes at the Coast.

While defending the intent behind his remarks, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament and UDA Secretary General acknowledged that some Kenyans may have felt offended by his statements and expressed regret over the controversy.

“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.

Even before Hassan issued his public apology, a strong wave of condemnation had already emerged from Mt. Kenya political leaders, with key figures sharply opposing what they described as ethnic profiling and identity-based political tactics.

Leading the criticism was Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who strongly censured the UDA Secretary General’s remarks and approach.

Waiguru, who said she has consistently opposed ethnic-based politics even within her own political base, called for the same standard to be applied across all regions and leaders. 

“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.

Other leaders who also condemned the Secretary General included Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, Kiambaa MP John Kawanjiku, and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has assured residents of the Coast region that the long-standing land injustices will soon cease being a recurring campaign issue in every electoral cycle.

Speaking on Sunday during a thanksgiving service for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs in Ganze, Kilifi County, the President said his administration had already put in place measures aimed at resolving historical land disputes and addressing challenges related to absentee landlords.

“The big land question in the Coast now has an answer. We have come together and we are going to sort out this challenge,” President Ruto said.

The Head of State added that politicians would no longer have the opportunity to use the land question as a campaign tool once the government completes its intervention plans.

“If there will be politics in the coming days, politicians should look for another topic. Those doing politics should look for another agenda because the land issue will be sorted,” he stated.

President Ruto noted that addressing the squatter problem would unlock economic growth and stability in the Coast region by allowing residents to invest confidently in their land without fear of eviction.

“Citizens must live with certainty. They must plan knowing this is their land. If they continue to be squatters, they cannot invest because they are always worried about the future,” he said.

According to the President, prolonged uncertainty over land ownership has for many years undermined development and investment in the region.