Mohamed Haji ( Centre) Issues Public Apology, Seeks Forgiveness and Walks Away from DCP
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, February 3, 2026 – Mohamed Haji Bullow (Kahiye) on Tuesday publicly apologised to political leaders and members of the Somali community, saying his earlier statements caused harm and misunderstood intentions, as he sought forgiveness during a media briefing that placed reconciliation above politics.
Speaking calmly before journalists, Mohamed Haji said the apology was sincere and long overdue, stressing that his previous remarks had denied others their constitutional dignity as Kenyans.
“The only thing is that the person I was referring to had a similar name. Just Abduwali,” he said. “It was never personal. It was a political game, and I regret it.”
He explained that the confusion led him to publicly denounce Abduwali, an action he now admitted was wrong and unfair.
“By doing that, I deprived him of his right as a Kenyan, and for that, I am apologising publicly,” he said.
As he continued, Mohamed Haji extended his apology acknowledging that his words had also targeted respected leaders within the Somali community. He singled out CS .Hon. Duale, alongside veteran legislators Hon. Farah Maalim and Hon. Adan Keynan, asking them to forgive him for past remarks.
“These are leaders who command respect. They are important to our society,” he said. “Disrespecting them is not the norm of Somali culture.”
He added that his apology was not only directed at individuals but also carried a spiritual weight.
“I seek forgiveness from Allah, and I ask them to forgive me too,” he said.
Moments later, Mohamed Haji shifted to the political implications of his statement, announcing his resignation from the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), where he previously served as an organising secretary in the party’s disability league.
“I am defecting today, this very hour,” he declared.
According to him, his decision followed a deep reflection on the party’s direction and values. He accused DCP of abandoning issue-based politics and replacing it with insults and hostility.
“DCP has become an abusive party. They personalise politics, heap vulgar words on others and offer no agenda for Kenyans,” he said.
He warned that such political conduct risked dividing the country instead of building it.
“For the sake of Kenya, and for fear of our country collapsing, I decided to walk away,” he added.
After closely studying the political mood on the ground, Mohamed Haji claimed DCP had lost relevance across Northern Kenya. He listed Marsabit, Isiolo, Moyale, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu as regions where the party enjoyed little to no support.
“DCP has no chance of winning even a single seat in these areas,” he said.
He then appealed directly to Northerners still affiliated with the party to reconsider their political alignment.
“You join a party that commands respect and support where you come from,” he said. “DCP has no support in Northern Kenya.”
In a symbolic gesture, Mohamed Haji handed over his DCP membership card to community elders, including marking what he described as his return to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He thanked elders, family members and community leaders who stood by him during what he termed a difficult personal period. At one point, he revealed that his political choices had strained family ties.
“My own mother, who is 85 years old, even questioned my decision,” he said. “That pain made me reflect deeply.”
Responding to questions from journalists, Mohamed Haji dismissed claims that political pressure forced his apology or defection.
“No one threatened me,” he said. “This decision comes from my heart.”
He said his long service as a civil servant and community leader gave him the confidence to speak honestly and correct his mistakes publicly.
The media briefing, he concluded, aimed to provide clarity on matters of public interest and address concerns that had arisen from his previous statements.
“Today is about setting the record straight,” he said. “That is all I have done.
