The Jubilee Party has sharply criticized former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua over his call urging foreign tourists and investors to stay away from Kenya until after the 2027 General Election, warning that such statements could inflict lasting damage on the country’s economy and the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Secretary-General Moitalel Ole Kenta, the former ruling party distanced itself from Gachagua’s remarks, saying while political leaders have a constitutional right to criticize the government, they must avoid messaging that undermines national economic interests.
The statement came a day after Gachagua, speaking during a church service at ACK St. Thomas Cathedral in Kerugoya, claimed Kenya had become unsafe due to rising insecurity and political violence. He urged tourists to postpone their visits until next year and advised foreign investors to suspend investment plans until after the next general election.
Jubilee acknowledged that concerns over governance, insecurity, shrinking democratic space and political violence are legitimate issues that require urgent attention. However, it argued that campaigns for political change should not come at the expense of sectors that sustain millions of households.
“While we fully appreciate the frustrations that continue to be expressed regarding the state of governance, insecurity, the shrinking democratic space and the growing concerns over the use of violence and criminal elements in our politics, we believe that any communication made in pursuit of political change must equally safeguard the national interest,” the party said.
The party emphasized that tourism remains one of Kenya’s leading foreign exchange earners, supporting hotels, tour operators, airlines, transport providers, conservation initiatives, artisans and farmers across the country. It also noted that foreign direct investment plays a crucial role in job creation, industrial expansion and technology transfer.
According to Jubilee, any decline in visitor arrivals or investor confidence would disproportionately affect ordinary Kenyans rather than political leaders.
“The people who bear the greatest cost of declining tourist arrivals or reduced investment are not those in positions of political authority,” the statement added.
Gachagua defends position
Gachagua’s remarks followed heightened political tensions after the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and renewed criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.
The former deputy president argued that insecurity, alleged attacks by criminal gangs and what he termed “rogue police officers” had created an unsafe environment for both citizens and foreigners.
“Our tourists are not safe in our country. There are too many goons. Tourists should suspend their visits until next year,” Gachagua said, adding that foreign investors should also wait until after the 2027 elections before committing resources to Kenya.
His comments immediately sparked debate across the political divide, with critics accusing him of politicizing a sector that is central to Kenya’s economic recovery.
Tourism industry pushes back
The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), the umbrella body representing the tourism private sector, also rejected Gachagua’s assertions, insisting that Kenya remains a safe destination for international visitors.
The federation said tourists come to Kenya to experience its wildlife, beaches, culture, hospitality, conferences and sporting events not to participate in domestic political contests.
KTF warned that negative messaging from senior political figures could erode international confidence built over many years through sustained marketing and investment.
“Once confidence is damaged, rebuilding it can take years, sometimes even longer, regardless of how quickly political circumstances change,” the federation said.
Industry stakeholders noted that tourism supports a vast ecosystem that includes hotel workers, tour guides, transport operators, beach businesses, farmers, entertainers and travel agencies, making it one of the country’s largest employers.
Government joins criticism
The government also dismissed Gachagua’s appeal, with Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura maintaining that Kenya remains peaceful, stable and open for business.
Mwaura said discouraging tourists and investors undermines economic growth, threatens jobs and weakens investor confidence at a time when Kenya is seeking to expand tourism earnings and attract foreign capital.
He pointed to recent economic growth figures and urged political leaders to pursue their differences without harming the country’s international image.
Political fault lines emerge
Jubilee’s criticism is politically significant because it exposes emerging differences within the broader opposition movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Although Jubilee has increasingly aligned itself with opposition forces challenging President Ruto’s administration, the party’s response suggests it is unwilling to endorse strategies that could negatively affect the economy or Kenya’s global reputation.
The disagreement underscores the balancing act facing opposition parties as they seek to capitalize on public dissatisfaction over governance and the cost of living while reassuring investors and international partners that political competition will not undermine economic stability.
With the 2027 elections expected to dominate national politics over the coming months, analysts say the debate over security, governance and economic messaging is likely to become a defining feature of the campaign, particularly as parties seek to convince both voters and investors that Kenya remains a stable destination for business and tourism.
