The Jubilee Party has condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he urged tourists to stay away from Kenya until after the 2027 General Election.
In a statement on Monday, July 20, Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta said political discourse should not come at the expense of the country’s economic interests.
The Jubilee SG, however, acknowledged growing public concerns over governance, insecurity, shrinking democratic space and political violence.
“We have repeatedly called upon the Government to guarantee the safety of all Kenyans, protect constitutional freedoms, and restore public confidence in law enforcement. These remain legitimate concerns that demand urgent attention from the current administration.
“However, we respectfully submit that calls which may be interpreted as discouraging tourism or foreign investment risk creating unintended consequences for millions of ordinary Kenyans whose livelihoods depend directly on these sectors,” read the statement in part.
Ole Kenta pointed out that tourism is one of Kenya’s leading foreign exchange earners, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the hospitality, transport, agriculture and conservation sectors, while investment plays a critical role in driving industrial growth, innovation and employment.
“Tourism remains one of Kenya’s largest foreign exchange earners, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across hotels, transport, tour operations, cultural enterprises, conservation initiatives, agriculture, and countless small businesses.
“Likewise, investment fuels industrial growth, creates employment opportunities for our youth, expands innovation, and strengthens our economy,” he stated.
According to Jubilee, hotel workers, tour guides, artisans, taxi operators, and farmers are among those who could lose income if tourists halt visits to Kenya.
Jubilee also urged visitors, investors, development partners and the international community to continue engaging with Kenya, saying the country’s democratic journey has always been strengthened through constitutional processes, peaceful civic participation and the resilience of its citizens.
“We encourage all visitors, investors, development partners, and friends of Kenya to continue engaging with our country. Kenya’s democratic journey has always been strengthened through constitutional processes, peaceful civic participation, and the resilience of its citizens,” Ole Kenta said.
Further, Ole Kenta called on the government to restore investor confidence by strengthening the rule of law, protecting lives and property, respecting constitutional rights, and ending political violence and intimidation.
