Gov’t Breaks Silence On Gachagua’s Calls For Investors, Tourists To Boycott Kenya
Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has urged visitors and investors to avoid Kenya, which the government has refuted.
They claimed that the country is still stable, secure, and open for business.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated on Monday that Kenya is peaceful and politically stable.
Mwaura advised individuals to protect the country’s image rather than making statements that may harm critical areas of the economy.
Mwaura decried attempts to discourage visitors and investors from visiting Kenya, claiming that such remarks stifle economic progress, jeopardize jobs, and harm investor confidence.
Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura has reaffirmed Kenya’s stability, security and openness for business, urging Kenyans to protect the country’s image and condemning calls to discourage tourists from visiting Kenya as harmful to the economy. pic.twitter.com/owmQBmI2iP— Government Spokesperson of The Republic of Kenya (@SpokespersonGoK) July 20, 2026
“Kenya remains a preferred destination for tourism, trade and investment, with our growing tourism sector, strong diplomatic standing and continued economic expansion reflecting the confidence the world has in our country,” Mwaura said.
The government’s response comes a day after Gachagua urged tourists and investors to suspend visits to Kenya until next year.
The former Deputy President claimed that the country was no longer safe because of rising insecurity, which he blamed on the government.
Gov’t spokesperson Isaac Mwaura slams Gachagua’s call for tourists to boycott Kenya before 2027 polls pic.twitter.com/vC1I2y1KTW— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) July 20, 2026
Speaking during a church service at ACK St Thomas Cathedral in Kerugoya, Gachagua told tourists to postpone their travel plans and advised investors to hold off on investments until 2027.
The former Deputy President made the remarks shortly after his party’s victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, which he described as a political contest between President William Ruto and the Mt Kenya region.
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His remarks have since sparked debate, with tourism and foreign investment remaining among Kenya’s key sources of foreign exchange, employment and economic growth.
Analysts have warned that statements casting doubt on the country’s security could affect investor confidence and the tourism sector.
While responding to Gachagua’s remarks, Mwaura pointed to Kenya’s recent economic performance.
Rigathi Gachagua has urged tourists and investors
To suspend their activities in Kenya until after the elections next year. pic.twitter.com/Ciw4IwYQ9z— DP 🇰🇪 (@DanChepta) July 19, 2026
He noted that the economy expanded by 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong growth in manufacturing, agriculture, construction and the services sector.
Mwaura further called on Kenyans to embrace dialogue, national unity and peaceful coexistence, saying the country’s progress depends on stable institutions and a conducive environment for investment.
He maintained that Kenya remains safe, open for business and an attractive destination for tourists and investors despite the ongoing political differences.
Gov’t Breaks Silence On Gachagua’s Calls For Investors, Tourists To Boycott Kenya
