Kenya's Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has strongly criticized Rigathi Gachagua for urging tourists and investors to avoid Kenya due to alleged insecurity.

• Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), claimed tourists are unsafe and advised postponing visits until 2026.
• Bitok stated that such remarks threaten years of work to market Kenya and undermine investor confidence in a sector contributing nearly 10 percent of the country's GDP.
• Kenya welcomed approximately 2.7 million international visitors last year and aims for 5 million by 2028.

The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) is urging political leaders to avoid public statements that could damage Kenya's reputation as a tourist and investment destination.

• The KTF warned that negative political rhetoric could harm the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Kenyans who depend on the tourism sector.
• KTF Chairman Fred Odek specifically cited remarks attributed to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua advising tourists and investors to stay away.
• The federation stressed that while political expression is a constitutional right, statements undermining confidence in Kenya have significant economic repercussions that can take years to rebuild.

The Jubilee Party has strongly refuted statements allegedly made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which encouraged foreign tourists and investors to avoid Kenya until after the next General Election.

• The party warned that such remarks could inflict significant economic damage and jeopardize the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans.
• Key figures involved include the Jubilee Party, led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
• Jubilee emphasized that political competition should not come at the expense of Kenya's economy or its people's livelihoods, highlighting tourism and foreign investment as critical for job creation and economic growth.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua defended the extensive celebrations for the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, characterizing it as a significant political turning point rather than just a win.

• Gachagua argued the election proved voters can reject financial inducements and state-backed campaigns, citing an alleged unprecedented deployment of government resources.
• The victory, described as a "miracle," signified the Democratic Congress Party's dominance in the Mt Kenya region.
• He claimed the result shattered the perception that President William Ruto could use state resources to secure re-election, urging opposition supporters to prepare for future elections by intensifying voter registration and vigilance.