Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has sharply criticized recent remarks by UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar, warning that his statements risk fueling ethnic divisions and undermining national unity.
In a response, Waiguru accused Omar of engaging in “ethnic baiting” that unfairly targets the Mt Kenya region.
She emphasized that such rhetoric contradicts the spirit of inclusive politics and threatens to reverse gains made in promoting cohesion across the country.
“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 said.
Her remarks come amid growing criticism of Omar from a section of political leaders, particularly following his recent comments perceived as dismissive or provocative toward certain regions and political figures.
Jubilee Party leaders had earlier faulted Omar for what they described as disrespectful remarks directed at former President Uhuru Kenyatta, terming them divisive and unnecessary.
Waiguru, a key figure within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, underscored her commitment to the “Tutam” movement, describing it as a national agenda that does not tolerate ethnic hostility in any form.
“The Tutam movement, to which we remain fully committed, is a national movement that does not legitimize the spewing of ethnic hatred, however couched,” she stated.
The governor warned that while such statements may resonate with certain political audiences, they carry long-term risks for the country’s stability and democratic progress.
She noted that Kenya has previously experienced the consequences of ethnic polarization and should not revisit that path.
“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,” she added.
Waiguru further called on Omar to take responsibility for his remarks and issue a public apology, arguing that leaders must exercise restraint and prioritize national cohesion over political expediency.
Her intervention highlights emerging tensions within political ranks, even among leaders aligned to the same coalition, over the tone and direction of political discourse in the country.
The debate around Omar’s statements continues to draw reactions, reflecting broader concerns about the re-emergence of identity-based politics ahead of future electoral cycles.