Coast leaders Gideon Mung’aro, Abdulswamad Nassir, Hassan Joho, Amason Kingi and Salim Mvurya, among others, at KMA Towers in Mombasa on Monday /BRIAN OTIENO
Tourism stakeholders and political leaders at the Coast have criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for urging tourists and investors to avoid Kenya until after the 2027 general election.
Gachagua said tourists and investors were not safe in Kenya due to what he described as the presence of “goons”, a statement that has sparked condemnation from tourism players and political leaders who argue that the remarks could hurt the country’s economy.
The stakeholders said tourism is a key pillar of the Coast region’s economy and warned that statements discouraging visitors could undermine Kenya’s efforts to attract five million tourists this year.
Kenya receives about 2.5 million tourists annually on average.
Veteran tourism stakeholder Mohammed Hersi said the sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s economy, accounting for 12.5 per cent of the country’s GDP.
He said political differences should not be allowed to damage a sector that supports millions of livelihoods.
“Even
at our lowest moment, in the chaos of 2007/2008, not a single tourist was ever
targeted. That fact alone should tell you how far outside our history this call
sits,” Hersi said.
Another tourism stakeholder, Sam Ikwaye, said Gachagua’s remarks should be ignored, saying they could negatively affect the industry.
Coast leaders also criticised the former DP, accusing him of targeting the region’s most important economic sector.
Kilifi
Governor Gideon Mung’aro said tourism should not be dragged into political
disputes.
“I have not heard you in your meetings saying tea should not be sold until Ruto leaves, or coffee should not be sold until Ruto leaves. But you stress on the economy that touches us Coast residents,” Mung’aro said.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said attempts to undermine a region’s economy because of political competition were unacceptable.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho said economic inclusion was among the reasons Coast leaders support President William Ruto’s administration.
Joho accused Gachagua of opposing development projects outside his region and said remarks discouraging investment could affect young people employed in sectors such as tourism.
Sports CS Salim Mvurya said tourism supports millions of people directly and indirectly through various businesses and services.
He said discouraging international visitors would undermine efforts to position Kenya as an investment destination.
Mvurya cited recent investment initiatives and projects such as the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone as examples of efforts to attract investors.
The leaders maintained that Kenya’s economy must remain protected from political disagreements, arguing that tourism and investment are national interests that go beyond individual politicians and election cycles.
Instant analysis
The dispute over Gachagua’s remarks highlights the sensitivity of Kenya’s tourism sector as political competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 general election. Coast leaders and industry stakeholders view tourism as an economic lifeline that should remain protected from political disagreements because of its role in employment, investment and regional growth. Their response shows concern that negative perceptions about security could affect visitor confidence and investor interest. The debate also reflects broader political divisions, with leaders using economic issues to defend their positions. As campaigns approach, balancing political expression with protection of key economic sectors will remain a major challenge.
