The government has asked Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Commissioner Hassan Omar Hassan to resign as a row over allegations of hate speech picked up speed on Thursday.
Government spokesman Alfred Mutua said Omar had contravened the expectations of promoting peace in the country and chosen divisive utterances along ethnic lines.
He added that Omar should not continue serving in his position as he has already tainted his representation of tolerance.
In December 2011, the Kenyan government called for the resignation of Hassan Omar Hassan, a commissioner with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Government spokesperson Alfred Mutua accused Hassan of violating the constitution through his public criticisms of President Mwai Kibaki’s administration, particularly regarding concerns about ethnic favoritism in government appointments.
Hassan refuted these claims, asserting that his observations were supported by empirical evidence, including reports from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission highlighting ethnic disparities in public service appointments. He maintained that his criticisms were aimed at fostering open discussion to address these issues.
Despite government pressure, Hassan initially resisted calls to resign. However, he eventually stepped down as Vice Chairman of KNCHR, while continuing his work as a commissioner. He cited administrative challenges and a lack of operational freedom as factors influencing his decision.
This incident underscores the tensions between government authorities and human rights advocates in Kenya, particularly concerning allegations of ethnic bias within public institutions.
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