Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has rebuked remarks by the DCP party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who urged tourists and investors to stay away from Kenya, claiming the country faces serious security concerns.
Speaking at a church service in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga Central Constituency, Gachagua said the country was no longer safe and advised visitors and investors to hold off until next year.
“Our tourists are not safe in our country. There are too many goons. Tourists should suspend their visits until next year,” he said.
“Investors should keep away from Kenya. We are telling investors to stay away until next year.”
Following his statement, the government has come out to defend Kenya’s reputation as a safe, stable and attractive destination for tourism and investment, warning that Gachagua’s remarks amount to economic sabotage.
Speaking at Harambee Annex in Nairobi, Mwaura said Kenya remains secure for both local and international visitors, with the country’s tourism sector continuing to register impressive growth despite attempts to portray a negative image of the nation.
“Leaders urging tourists to avoid certain parts of the country are threatening businesses and the thousands of Kenyans whose livelihoods depend on the tourism sector,” Mwaura said.
The government spokesperson also defended the country against “unfair stereotypes” being spread by some foreign visitors.
This comes against the backdrop of a video clip in which American actress Skai Jackson claimed that mirrors are an expensive luxury most Kenyans cannot afford.
Jackson suggested that children in Kenyan villages saw their own faces for the first time only through her mobile phone.
Mwaura, however, defended the country, emphasising that Kenya is a modern nation with a highly educated population, strong digital infrastructure and a growing economy.
He commended Kenyans for defending the country’s image both online and abroad, noting that national pride continues to unite citizens despite political differences.
Mwaura also called on Kenyans to remain united and reject attempts to isolate any region of the country, insisting that development projects are being distributed equitably across Kenya.
“Every region has a stake in the Kenya Kwanza administration and should continue working together to advance the country’s development agenda,” he said.
The spokesperson urged leaders and citizens to resolve differences through dialogue rather than political division, saying Kenya’s future depends on unity, collaboration and shared prosperity.
