UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar addressing the press on July 17, 2026/UDA
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar has said it would be 'unfortunate' if the Mt Kenya region decides to move out of government by the 2027 General Election, arguing that such a decision would fundamentally alter the composition of government.
Speaking on Friday, a day after UDA suffered a heavy defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, Omar defended the Kenya Kwanza administration's relationship with the region, saying President William Ruto had recognised Mt Kenya's support in the 2022 General Election through appointments to senior government positions.
"The bulk of CEOs in this government are from Mount Kenya. The president has a mandate and a responsibility to reciprocate those who showed him favour," Omar said.
He added: "But if by the time they get to 2027 they decide to move out of government, that will be unfortunate. The architecture of the government will then change fundamentally based on the broad-based partnership. That is the nature of politics."
Omar also defended UDA's heavy investment in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying it reflected the party's appreciation of the region's support during the last General Election.
"UDA invested heavily because an election is a heavy investment. UDA invested heavily because we wanted to demonstrate that we do not exclude anyone," he said.
He said the President recognised the support he received from Mt Kenya East and West during his successful presidential bid in 2022.
"UDA invested heavily because the president acknowledges Mount Kenya West and East supported him immensely in his bid for the presidency. UDA invested heavily because I think that's what governments do in election cycles," Omar said.
The UDA secretary general maintained that the government's engagement with the region is reflected in appointments to key public offices.
"In reciprocity, the president has assigned over nine, ten cabinet secretaries to the region. The bulk of the permanent secretaries in this government are from the region called Mount Kenya, about 17 or 18 of the 51. The bulk of the chairs of state corporations are from Mount Kenya," he said.
Despite his remarks on the political consequences of leaving government, Omar insisted that the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to serving every part of the country.
"But as at the moment, no part of this country will be left out. Even as we win the next election, no part will ever be left out. We do not say that we are competing for power to oppress anyone or to take away from anyone, or to put to second fiddle any part of this country," he said.
He added: "This government has decided that its policy is inclusivity. It shall move on with inclusivity, notwithstanding."
Omar's remarks come amid heightened political activity in the Mt Kenya region, where leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have intensified criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to meet the expectations of voters who overwhelmingly backed President William Ruto in the 2022 General Election.
