Jubilee Party has publicly distanced itself from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call on foreign tourists and investors to stay away from Kenya. In a statement shared online by Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i, the outfit appeared to throw the DCP party leader under the bus.Â
The party’s position was outlined in a statement issued on July 20 by Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta, a day after Gachagua urged tourists to suspend visits to Kenya and advised foreign investors to hold back investments until after the next General Election.
Speaking at a church service in Kirinyaga County, Gachagua claimed the country was becoming unsafe due to rising insecurity and the activities of criminal gangs.
He said tourists were no longer safe and appealed to them to postpone their visits until next year.
Gachagua also urged foreign investors to stay away, promising that the situation would be resolved after the next election.
His remarks immediately sparked criticism from the government, with the Ministry of Tourism warning that such statements could damage Kenya’s international reputation and undermine confidence in one of the country’s most important economic sectors.
Jubilee Lashes Back at Gachagua
While Jubilee acknowledged concerns over governance, insecurity, shrinking democratic space and political violence, the party stopped short of backing Gachagua’s appeal to tourists and investors.
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Instead, it warned that public statements that may be interpreted as discouraging tourism or foreign investment could have unintended consequences for millions of ordinary Kenyans whose livelihoods depend on the two sectors.
“The people who bear the greatest cost of declining tourist arrivals or reduced investment 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 the thousands of families whose daily incomes depend on a vibrant economy,” Jubilee said in their statement.
The party said it has consistently condemned the infiltration of criminal gangs and hired goons into the country’s political processes and has repeatedly called on the government to guarantee the safety of citizens, protect constitutional freedoms and restore confidence in law enforcement.
However, Jubilee argued that criticism of the government should not come at the expense of the national interest.
The statement noted that investment is equally important because it drives industrial growth, creates jobs for young people and strengthens the economy.
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Jubilee warned that the greatest cost of declining tourist arrivals or reduced investment would not be borne by politicians but by ordinary citizens whose daily incomes depend on a vibrant economy.
Protection of Kenya’s Image
Jubilee said Kenya remains a country of immense opportunity, natural beauty, resilient institutions and welcoming people.
“Kenya is bigger than any political party, any individual, or any election cycle,” the statement said, adding that leaders must remain united in protecting the country’s economic interests and international reputation.
The party encouraged tourists, investors, development partners and friends of Kenya to continue engaging with the country despite political disagreements.
It also urged the government to move beyond public relations campaigns and address underlying issues affecting investor confidence.
The party said genuine commitment to the rule of law, protection of life and property, respect for constitutional rights, political tolerance and an end to violence and intimidation would help restore confidence in the country.
Jubilee further appealed to political leaders to exercise caution in public discourse, saying their words carry weight because they shape perceptions, influence markets and affect livelihoods.
Even as the party maintained its criticism of the government, it stressed that political competition should not diminish confidence in Kenya or its economic prospects.
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