By Brian Said Iha, July 21, 2026
The Jubilee Party has strongly condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call for foreign tourists and investors to stay away from Kenya, warning that such remarks risk undermining the country’s economy and hurting the livelihoods of millions of ordinary citizens.
In a statement signed by Secretary-General Moitalel Ole Kenta and endorsed by Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i, the party said political competition should never come at the expense of Kenya’s international reputation, arguing that any decline in tourism and investment would have devastating consequences for workers and businesses that depend on the two sectors.
Jubilee emphasized that while political leaders may differ on governance and public policy, they have a collective responsibility to protect the country’s economic interests. The party maintained that domestic political disagreements should not be projected to the international community in a manner that discourages visitors, investors and development partners from engaging with Kenya.
The party noted that the immediate victims of declining tourist arrivals would not be politicians but ordinary Kenyans employed in hotels, restaurants, transport services, tour companies, curio businesses and other sectors supported by tourism. It warned that reduced visitor numbers would translate into job losses, declining incomes and reduced business opportunities for thousands of families.
According to Jubilee, Kenya has spent decades building its reputation as one of Africa’s leading tourism and investment destinations, and such gains should not be jeopardized by politically charged statements that create uncertainty among international partners.
The party further urged all political leaders to exercise restraint in their public pronouncements, saying reckless remarks have the potential to influence international markets, investor confidence and travel decisions. It stressed that protecting the country’s image should remain a shared national responsibility regardless of political affiliation.
Despite rejecting Gachagua’s call for an economic boycott, Jubilee also challenged the Kenya Kwanza administration to address growing concerns surrounding governance, political intolerance, insecurity and the shrinking democratic space. The party argued that these issues require genuine solutions to restore confidence among both citizens and the international community.
“The country’s image must be safeguarded at all times. Political competition should focus on offering solutions to Kenyans rather than actions that could weaken the economy and affect livelihoods,” the statement said.
The condemnation follows remarks made by Gachagua during a church service at ACK St. Thomas Cathedral in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County, where he urged foreign investors and tourists to postpone their plans to visit Kenya until after the next General Election. He cited rising political violence, insecurity and what he described as an increasingly hostile political environment.
His comments have since attracted widespread criticism from leaders across the political divide, with several accusing him of damaging Kenya’s global reputation and discouraging economic growth. Stakeholders in the tourism sector, including leaders from the Coast region and the Kenya Tourism Federation, have also faulted the remarks, warning that negative messaging could reverse the industry’s post-pandemic recovery and affect thousands of jobs.
As debate over the remarks continues, Jubilee has called on all leaders to prioritize national interests above partisan politics, insisting that Kenya’s economic stability and international standing must never become casualties of political rivalry.
