NAIROBI, Kenya — Presidential Aspirant Fred Matiang’i has distanced the Jubilee Party from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call urging foreign tourists and investors to avoid Kenya, saying political differences should not come at the expense of the country’s economy and international reputation.
In a statement shared by Matiang’i, who serves as Jubilee’s Deputy Party Leader, the party rejected Gachagua’s appeal while maintaining its criticism of the government’s handling of governance, insecurity, and political violence.
The statement, issued on July 20 by Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta, came a day after Gachagua urged tourists to postpone visits to Kenya and advised foreign investors to suspend investments until after the next General Election.
Speaking during a church service in Kirinyaga County, Gachagua claimed Kenya had become increasingly unsafe due to rising insecurity and the activities of criminal gangs.
He argued that tourists were no longer secure and asked them to delay their travel plans until next year, while also urging foreign investors to wait until after the elections before committing capital to the country.
Jubilee Rejects Boycott Calls
Although Jubilee acknowledged concerns over governance, shrinking democratic space, insecurity, and political violence, the party said discouraging tourism and investment would ultimately hurt ordinary Kenyans rather than political leaders.
“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,” the statement read.
The party noted that it has consistently condemned the use of criminal gangs and hired goons in Kenya’s political processes and has repeatedly called on the government to guarantee public safety, uphold constitutional freedoms, and restore confidence in law enforcement agencies.
However, Jubilee emphasized that criticism of the government should never undermine Kenya’s national interests.
Tourism and Investment Key to Economy
The party said foreign investment remains essential for driving industrial growth, creating jobs, and strengthening the country’s economy, warning that any decline in investor confidence would disproportionately affect ordinary citizens.
It further described Kenya as a nation of vast opportunity, rich natural beauty, resilient institutions, and welcoming people.
“Kenya is bigger than any political party, any individual, or any election cycle,” the statement said.
Jubilee encouraged tourists, investors, development partners, and the international community to continue engaging with Kenya despite ongoing political disagreements.
Calls for Government Action
At the same time, the party urged the government to move beyond public relations campaigns and address the underlying issues affecting investor confidence.
According to Jubilee, restoring confidence will require a 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.
The party also appealed to political leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements, noting that their remarks influence international perceptions, financial markets, and the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans.
While maintaining its criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, Jubilee reiterated that political competition should not diminish confidence in Kenya’s economic prospects or damage the country’s standing on the global stage.