Jubilee condemns Gachagua remarks on tourism boycott ahead of 2027 polls

In a statement on Monday, the party warned that the calls, which may have been interpreted as discouraging tourism or foreign investment, risk creating unintended consequences for millions of ordinary Kenyans whose livelihood depend directly on these sectors.   

Jubilee believes that tourism remains one of Kenya’s largest foreign exchange earners, supporting hundreds of jobs across various industries; hence, it cannot be interfered with by political actors who do not bear the full consequences.

“The people who bear the greatest cost of declining tourist arrivals or reduced investments are not those in positions of political authority. It is the hotel worker in Diani, the tour guide in Maasai Mara, the artisan in Mombasa, the farmer supplying fresh produce to hospitality establishments, the taxi operator, the young entrepreneur and thousands of families whose daily incomes depend on a vibrant economy,” read the statement in part.

The party encouraged visitors, investors, development partners, and friends of Kenya to continue engaging with the country, attributing the country’s democratic journey to its firm constitutional processes, peaceful civic participation, and the resilience of its citizens.

The party noted that any communication made in pursuit of political change must equally safeguard national interest. 

It also blamed the government for not taking appropriate action to address the infiltration of criminal gangs and hired goons into political processes.

On Sunday, July 19, Gachagua urged tourists and investors to stay away from Kenya, citing rising insecurity that he blamed squarely on the government. 

Gachagua opined that the country was no longer safe and advised international visitors and investors to hold off until next year.

The remarks have been condemned by multiple stakeholders in Kenya, who warned of dire economic consequences. 

The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) warned that such sentiments can potentially puncture destination confidence and destroy a sector that sustains a significant economic ecosystem.

"Once confidence is damaged, rebuilding it can take years, sometimes even longer, regardless of how quickly political circumstances change," the Federation noted

KTF maintained that tourists visiting Kenya do not participate in domestic politics and are not targeted by political factions.

"They come to experience Magical Kenya’s wildlife, beaches, culture, hospitality, conferences and sporting events. They are neither involved in nor targeted by the political rivalries that occasionally play out within our country.”