Wary of the impact of partial scorched-earth policy proposed by former Deputy President Rigahti Gachagua to choke President William Ruto out of the race for 2027 presidential election, leaders from coastal Kenya have assured tourists that the East Africa nation is safe for leisure seekers.

On Monday, Mr Gachagua appealed to foreign tourists and investors to give Kenya a wide berth until President Ruto is choked from the helm of the country. In response, leaders from the coast assured tourists and investors that Kenya in general and the coastal region in particular is a safe destination.

Tourism is the economic mainstay of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu counties and supports local livelihoods, drives the hospitality industry and stimulates related industries like agriculture and transport.

The leaders condemned recent statements by former deputy president that tourists and investors skip the country in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, wants tourists and investors to stay away from Kenya, citing rising insecurity, which he blames on President Ruto.

The leaders addressed the media in Mombasa after a high-level consultative meeting on the future of the coast and strengthening collaboration towards sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.

Led by Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho and Salim Mvurya (Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports), the leaders said politicians should desist from issuing travel advisories and precautions to visitors and investors.

Others were Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Governors Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir (Mombasa), Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi) and Issa Timamy (Lamu), senators Mohamed Faki (Mombasa) and Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi) and a host of MPs.

Joho, Mvurya and Kingi are also past two-term governors of Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi counties.

Joho said Gachagua’s remarks that tourists and investors should stay away from Kenya over insecurity concerns was reckless and economic sabotage. He said Kenya has built a strong international reputation through its wildlife, white sandy beaches, rich culture and hospitality noting that negative portrayals could discourage potential visitors.

“As leaders from the coast region, we condemn in the strongest terms possible the reckless and unfortunate remarks made by Gachagua, which appear calculated to undermine the tourism sector, the lifeblood of our regional economy and discourage investment in the coast,” Joho said.

Joho said such statements are not only irresponsible but also detrimental to the livelihoods of millions of people who depend directly and indirectly on tourism, hospitality, transport, trade and other sectors driven by a thriving coastal economy.

He said for decades there have been individuals who have viewed the coastal region through the lens of ‘’exclusion and political expediency often seeking to destabilise its tourism driven economy for selfish political gains.

“This pattern of divisive politics has, for decades, denied our people the opportunities and recognition they deserve,” he said. He said the remarks came at a time when the national government is attempting to attract more tourists.

He went on to say “our people will no longer be distracted by politics of fear, division or economic sabotage.”

Joho said coastal leaders are united in safeguarding the fragile tourism industry, protecting jobs and creating an enabling environment that welcomes local and foreign investors.

Joho said it’s “unfortunate” that the remarks come against the backdrop of a recent announcement by Nigerian tycoon Ali Dankote that he is set to put up a $17 billion (Ksh2.2 trillion) mega oil refinery in Lamu.

Dangote’s refinery is projected to process about 700,000 barrels of oil per day, making it the largest oil refinery in East Africa.

Mvurya said the “unfortunate remarks by the former deputy president” came at a time local leaders were deliberating on how best to work together to fully exploit the region’s immense potential in tourism and the blue economy sector with a view to occasioning job creation, poverty eradication and improved socio-economic status.

“We should all be committed to a concerted effort to create an enabling environment conducive to sustainable tourism development,” Mvurya said.

Governor Nassir said the devolved governments in the coastal region are involved in a new strategy of attracting tourists from outside Europe that have traditionally been major sources of visitors.

“We are working closely with global airlines for direct flights through open sky policy,” he said.

He said open sky policy allows international airlines to operate direct flights into Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

“This initiative bypasses the need for tourists to connect through Nairobi, significantly easing travel and driving tourism growth in coastal regions,” he said.

Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Flydubai and other charter flights already utilise direct routes, bringing tourists closer to coastal destinations. He said leaders should keep the tourism sector insulated from partisan politics to drive economic growth.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro said the utterances by Gachagua are irresponsible, undermine the country’s international reputation and threaten the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans who depend on the tourism sector.

“Tourism remains a key economic pillar for the coast, and any attempt to sabotage it is an attack on our economy, businesses, and families,” Mung’aro said.

According to the ministry of tourism the country recorded about 2.7 million international tourist arrivals in 2025. The national government is targeting five million international arrivals by 2028, a goal that depends on sustaining global confidence in Kenya as a safe, secure and attractive destination.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Hussein Abdullahi