Joho Leads Coast Legislators in Condemning Gachagua Over Tourists Remarks

Coast leaders on Monday strongly condemned remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urging tourists to stay away from Kenya, describing the statements as reckless and detrimental to the country's economy.

Speaking at Kenya Maritime Towers after a three-hour closed-door meeting, the leaders, led by Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, termed Gachagua's remarks irresponsible and driven by ill will.

Joho said the region will not be detered on it's path of reviving their economy after falling behind other regions for a long time.

" We are not sadists,we never discourage investments in other counties.Have you ever heard Gachagua criticize projects in Mount Kenya?.We caution him that we know how to tackle his utterances", said Joho.

Sports CS Salim Mvurya reaffirmed the Coast region's support for President William Ruto's administration ahead of the next General Election.

He further accused the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader of displaying contempt for other communities.
"Gachagua has now demonstrated the kind of leader he is in this country.He should be ignored.He should be condemned.Gachagua is only minding his personal interests", said Mvurya.

Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir warned that the remarks could undermine ongoing efforts by his administration to promote an open skies policy aimed at boosting tourism and investment.

"What other reason could anyone have for recklessly telling tourists not to come to Kenya, knowing very well that tourism is one of the main pillars of the Coast economy?" Nassir posed.
The governor said the statements could negatively affect thousands of Kenyans who depend on the tourism industry for their livelihoods.

"How will hotel workers, tour operators, taxi drivers, beach operators, traders, fisherfolk and countless others feed their families, pay their bills and educate their children?" he asked.

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