Rigathi Gachagua Urges Tourists to Skip Kenya Until 2027

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked controversy after urging international tourists to postpone visits to Kenya until after the 2027 General Election, citing what he described as worsening insecurity across the country.

Speaking at ACK St. Thomas Cathedral, Gachagua criticized the government’s handling of security, blaming the administration and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for what he termed a rise in violent incidents.

The former Deputy President argued that the country’s security situation had deteriorated and claimed it posed a risk to both residents and visitors. His remarks came days after his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) secured victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, a result he described as a sign of shifting political sentiment in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Gachagua linked the by-election outcome to growing dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s administration, saying voters were increasingly demanding political change.

His comments, however, drew criticism from stakeholders in the tourism industry, who warned that such statements could undermine one of Kenya’s key economic sectors.

Tourism sector leader Mohammed Hersi described the remarks as irresponsible, arguing that Kenya remains a leading travel destination and that confidence in the country’s tourism industry should not be undermined by political rhetoric.

Industry players noted that tourism continues to play a significant role in Kenya’s economy, supporting millions of livelihoods through hotels, airlines, tour operators, wildlife conservation and related businesses.

The remarks also generated widespread debate on social media, with supporters defending Gachagua’s concerns over security while critics accused him of politicizing an industry that is crucial to the country’s economic growth.

The government has consistently maintained that Kenya remains safe for visitors and has continued to implement measures aimed at enhancing security in tourist destinations and other parts of the country.