Jubilee condemns Gachagua remarks on tourism boycott ahead of 2027 polls
Jubilee Party has condemned remarks made by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, who advised international tourists and investors to postpone their visits and investment until the forthcoming general elections.
In a statement on Monday, the party warned that the calls, which may have been interpreted as discouraging tourism or foreign investment, risk creating unintended consequences for millions of ordinary Kenyans whose livelihood depend directly on these sectors.
Jubilee believes that tourism remains one of Kenya’s largest foreign exchange earners, supporting hundreds of jobs across various industries; hence, it cannot be interfered with by political actors who do not bear the full consequences.
“The people who bear the greatest cost of declining tourist arrivals or reduced investments 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 thousands of families whose daily incomes depend on a vibrant economy,” read the statement in part.
The party encouraged visitors, investors, development partners, and friends of Kenya to continue engaging with the country, attributing the country’s democratic journey to its firm constitutional processes, peaceful civic participation, and the resilience of its citizens.
“Our words carry weight. They shape perceptions, influence markets, affect livelihoods and ultimately determine how the world views our nation,” Kenta said.
“Kenya is bigger than any political party, any individual, or any election cycle. Even as we vigorously compete for leadership and advocate for change, let us remain united in protecting the economic interests of our people and preserving the dignity and reputation of our country.”
The party noted that any communication made in pursuit of political change must equally safeguard national interest.
Businessman Jimmy Wanjigi with DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua on July 21, 2026
On Sunday, July 19, Gachagua urged tourists and investors to stay away from Kenya, citing rising insecurity that he blamed squarely on the government.
Gachagua opined that the country was no longer safe and advised international visitors and investors to hold off until next year.
The remarks have been condemned by multiple stakeholders in Kenya, who warned of dire economic consequences.
The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) warned that such sentiments can potentially puncture destination confidence and destroy a sector that sustains a significant economic ecosystem.
“Once confidence is damaged, rebuilding it can take years, sometimes even longer, regardless of how quickly political circumstances change,” the Federation noted
KTF maintained that tourists visiting Kenya do not participate in domestic politics and are not targeted by political factions.
“They come to experience Magical Kenya’s wildlife, beaches, culture, hospitality, conferences and sporting events. They are neither involved in nor targeted by the political rivalries that occasionally play out within our country.”
In the meantime, after their big victory in Ol Kalou the grasshoppers were in town in full colour. That victory for Gachagua in Ol Kalou is the best gift William Ruto could have prayed for because it marks the end of the so-called United Opposition.
The Gachagua clowns are going to take over everything in the opposition and even Sifuna will have to beg him for something to hang on to somewhere in Bungoma County.
Poor Kalonzo Musyoka has to start thinking about retiring from politics completely and the same applies to Martha Karua. Matiang’i will run on his Jubliee Party which is actively dying in Mt. Kenya and does not exist anywhere else.
It is time for the opposition leaders to put on their green uniforms and follow their king.
Don’t laugh please. I know that is hard, but it is what it is. But I mean Kalonzo Musyoka in green uniform? Now you can laugh loudly.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) senators, led by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, don party colours during a parliamentary sitting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
And then this:
Karua: I will not settle for deputy president post to support United Opposition candidate
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has ruled out accepting the position of deputy president under a United Opposition arrangement, insisting she will either contest for the presidency or support whoever is selected as the coalition’s flagbearer.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Karua said opposition leaders are committed to agreeing on a single presidential candidate through a structured selection process. She pledged to respect the outcome and campaign for the coalition’s nominee, provided the process is conducted fairly and in accordance with the alliance’s rules.
“The only thing I will not do is be a running mate. I’ve no wish to be a running mate. I did a good run with Raila Odinga. That’s just about enough. But it’s all or nothing,” Karua said.
The former Azimio deputy presidential candidate, who partnered with the late Raila Odinga in the last General Election, said she had no desire to serve as a running mate again.
“If I am not the flag bearer, I will support 100 per cent. But I won’t be a running mate,” she added, maintaining that her decision is final.
Karua’s declaration comes as senior opposition leaders continue consultations aimed at fielding a united presidential ticket in the next General Election. Her position effectively rules her out of consideration for the deputy president slot, regardless of who emerges as the coalition’s presidential candidate.
Adongo Ogony is a Human Rights Activist and a Writer who lives in Toronto, Canada
