Jubilee presidential aspirant Fred Matiang'i /HANDOUTJubilee presidential aspirant Fred Matiang'i has publicly distanced himself from remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urging tourists and investors to avoid Kenya over insecurity concerns.
Matiang’i’s Jubilee Party warned that political messaging should not undermine the country's economic interests.
In a statement shared by Matiang'i on his social media platforms, the Jubilee Party said that while it understood public frustration over governance and insecurity, leaders had a responsibility to protect the national interest even as they pursued political change.
The statement, signed by Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel ole Kenta, came in response to Gachagua's comments over the weekend urging international tourists and prospective investors to suspend travel to Kenya until after the next General Election.
"Jubilee Party has taken note of recent public statements calling upon international tourists and prospective investors to suspend their visits and investments in the country until after the next General Election," the statement said.
"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 reiterated its criticism of the government over insecurity, political violence and the shrinking democratic space, saying it had consistently condemned the infiltration of criminal gangs and hired goons into political activities.
It also maintained that the government must guarantee the safety of all Kenyans, protect constitutional freedoms and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
However, Jubilee cautioned that calls discouraging tourism and foreign investment could have unintended consequences for millions of Kenyans whose livelihoods depend on the two sectors.
The party noted that tourism remains one of Kenya's leading foreign exchange earners, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in hospitality, transport, conservation, agriculture and small businesses.
It added that foreign investment is critical in creating jobs, driving industrial growth and fostering innovation.
"The people who bear the greatest cost of declining tourist arrivals or reduced investment are not those in positions of political authority," the statement said, citing hotel workers, tour guides, farmers, artisans, taxi operators and young entrepreneurs among those likely to be hardest hit.
Jubilee reaffirmed that Kenya remains a country of "immense opportunity, extraordinary natural beauty, resilient institutions and warm, welcoming people," insisting that its disagreements with the current administration were political and policy-based and should not erode confidence in the country.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at the ACK St. Thomas Cathedral in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County, Gachagua claimed that rising insecurity had made Kenya unsafe for tourists and investors.
"Our tourists are not safe in our country. There are too many goons. Tourists should suspend their visits until next year," he said.
