Demands for UDA SG Resignation an Exit Strategy, Says Eldoret Human Rights Activist

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has strongly criticized the ongoing calls for the resignation of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Omar Hassan Omar, describing the campaign as a carefully orchestrated political scheme designed to justify a planned mass exit from the ruling party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a press briefing in Eldoret on behalf of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy, Ngetich warned the ruling party leadership against what he termed “coordinated political manipulation” aimed at destabilizing UDA from within.

According to Ngetich, the mounting pressure against Omar Hassan is not based on genuine concern for party unity or national cohesion, but rather a calculated strategy by certain leaders who have already made up their minds to abandon the ruling party and align themselves with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s emerging political movement.

“The current demands for the resignation of UDA Secretary General Omar Hassan Omar should not be viewed in isolation. This is part of a larger political exit strategy by individuals who are preparing to leave the ruling party but want to create an excuse that appears principled before the public,” Ngetich said.

He claimed it was suspicious that the loudest voices calling for Hassan’s removal were mainly legislators from the Mt Kenya region who, according to him, remained silent when President William Ruto and members of the Kalenjin community were allegedly subjected to political attacks and ethnic profiling by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Ngetich argued that many of the same leaders now portraying themselves as defenders of party discipline never publicly condemned remarks allegedly made by Gachagua against the President and sections of the security apparatus dominated by members of the Kalenjin community.

“There was complete silence from these leaders when the former Deputy President made allegations about the existence of killer squads within the security sector and insinuated that certain communities were controlling security institutions. None of these MPs held press conferences then as they are doing now,” he stated.

The activist said the sudden outrage directed at Omar Hassan raises serious questions about the true motives behind the campaign, insisting that the issue has been weaponized for political convenience.

“This is not about defending national unity or party values. It is about creating a political narrative that will justify an eventual mass exodus from UDA by leaders who have already chosen another political direction,” Ngetich added.

He further accused some politicians of attempting to manufacture artificial grassroots anger through sustained media campaigns and coordinated public statements aimed at portraying Omar Hassan as unpopular within the ruling party.

According to Ngetich, the strategy involves using media pressure and psychological coercion to force the party leadership into reacting emotionally rather than rationally.

“Political manipulators and blackmailers rely on covert psychological pressure, fear, propaganda, and information asymmetry to achieve their goals. What we are witnessing is a deliberate attempt to create the illusion that the entire public is against the Secretary General, yet the reality on the ground is very different,” he claimed.

Ngetich maintained that UDA remains a democratic party with strong internal structures capable of handling disagreements through lawful and transparent mechanisms rather than emotional political campaigns.

He noted that President William Ruto had personally built the party on principles of inclusivity, transparency, and equal opportunity for all Kenyans regardless of ethnicity or region.

“The President has consistently demonstrated through action that he serves all Kenyans equally without discrimination. That is why the party leadership must be cautious not to fall into traps designed to divide communities and weaken the party from within,” he said.

The Eldoret activist also defended Omar Hassan over recent remarks associated with ethnic politics, insisting that the statements had been taken out of context by political rivals seeking an opportunity to attack him.

“Hassan’s comments should not worry anyone because they were deliberately misinterpreted for political reasons. The controversy surrounding his remarks has been exaggerated by leaders searching for an exit point from the ruling party,” he stated.

Ngetich warned that if the ruling party fails to properly analyze the ongoing political developments, it risks allowing opportunistic leaders to destabilize UDA for personal political survival.

He claimed that some politicians were now trying to replicate factional politics previously witnessed in ODM, where internal camps emerged and weakened party unity.

“The elite political manipulators are now looking for a simple excuse to form a splinter group within UDA, similar to factional battles that have existed in other parties. This is not about ideology but about political survival and future electoral calculations,” he said.

Ngetich further argued that many leaders criticizing Omar Hassan were fully aware that removing the Secretary General through party structures would not be easy because a majority of UDA grassroots officials and branch leaders still support him.

“They know very well that more than three-quarters of UDA leaders and branch officials cannot support the removal of Omar Hassan. That is why they are relying on media narratives and emotional public pressure to force the issue,” he noted.

He also cautioned against attempts to exploit ethnic emotions for political gain, warning that Kenya’s democratic stability should never be sacrificed for short-term political interests.

“It is dangerous for any leader to incite communities against one another for political relevance. Kenya has suffered before because of ethnic politics and responsible leaders should avoid inflammatory narratives,” he said.

Ngetich urged President William Ruto, in his capacity as UDA party leader, to remain firm and resist pressure from individuals allegedly seeking to weaken the party before the next General Election.

“We appeal to His Excellency President William Ruto not to fall into this well-planned political trap. He should remain focused on uniting the country and strengthening the ruling party instead of allowing himself to be dragged into unnecessary internal political games,” he said.

He added that the anticipated political realignments ahead of 2027 should not come as a surprise, arguing that leaders planning to leave UDA should do so openly instead of using Omar Hassan as a scapegoat.

“It is common sense that political shifts will happen as we approach the next election. Leaders who wish to leave the party should be honest enough to do so without manufacturing controversy or pretending that they are acting on principle,” Ngetich stated.

The activist concluded by encouraging Omar Hassan Omar to remain steadfast despite the mounting criticism and continue supporting the growth of the ruling party.

“We appeal to the UDA Secretary General to remain firm and focused. Political storms are temporary, but strong institutions survive because of principled leadership. UDA must remain united and resist manipulation from opportunistic forces,” he concluded.