A sharp political standoff has emerged after Rigathi Gachagua warned tourists against visiting Kenya, prompting a forceful response from Abdulswamad Nassir and a coalition of Coast leaders who say the remarks threaten thousands of livelihoods.
Gachagua recently claimed that rising “goonism” and insecurity have made Kenya unsafe for visitors, advising foreign tourists and investors to delay travel.
The comments have since drawn criticism from leaders in the Coast region, where tourism remains a primary economic pillar.
Addressing a joint forum alongside senior regional officials, Nassir termed the remarks “deeply irresponsible,” warning they risk damaging Kenya’s global reputation as a tourist destination.
“It is unfortunate that, for some leaders, economic development only seems to matter when it happens in their own regions,” Nassir said, in a pointed critique widely interpreted as directed at Gachagua.
The Mombasa governor questioned the rationale behind discouraging travel to Kenya, noting the immediate economic consequences for communities dependent on tourism.
He cited hotel workers, tour operators, taxi drivers, beach operators, traders and fisherfolk as among those most vulnerable.
“What happens to the thousands of Kenyans whose livelihoods depend on this sector?” Nassir asked. “How will they feed their families, pay their bills and educate their children?”
The governor’s remarks were delivered in the presence of key Coast figures, including Ali Hassan Joho, Salim Mvurya and Amason Kingi, as well as members of the Coast Parliamentary Group.
The leaders jointly condemned what they described as reckless political statements capable of undermining economic recovery efforts.
Nassir revealed that Coast counties are actively pursuing an Open Skies policy to increase direct international flights into Mombasa, a move expected to boost arrivals and help fill more than 40,000 tourism beds across the region.
“We are working tirelessly to attract investment, create jobs and grow our economy,” he said. “It is therefore unacceptable for any leader, particularly one who has held national office, to undermine these efforts.”
He further cautioned against politicising economic sectors, arguing that national unity is critical in sustaining investor and tourist confidence.
“Political differences must never become a licence to sabotage the livelihoods of our people,” Nassir said. “The Coast deserves its fair share of Kenya’s economic growth.”