Nairobi, July 20, 2026 — Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of deliberately undermining Kenya’s economy by urging foreign tourists and investors to avoid the country, saying such remarks threaten key economic sectors and damage Kenya’s international image.
Speaking during a government press briefing on Monday 20th July at Harambee Annex, Mwaura said Gachagua’s statements amounted to economic sabotage, arguing that discouraging international visitors and investors could hurt tourism, reduce foreign direct investment and cost Kenyans jobs.
The spokesperson was responding to Gachagua’s recent claims that Kenya had become unsafe for tourists and investors due to the ongoing political unrest and the alleged use of hired goons to intimidate and attack citizens. Gachagua urged international visitors and investors to suspend their travel and business plans until the country’s political situation stabilizes.
Mwaura dismissed the claims, insisting that Kenya remains peaceful and secure and that the government has put in place adequate measures to protect both citizens and foreign visitors. He urged the international community to continue investing in and visiting Kenya, saying isolated political incidents should not define the country’s image.
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The government spokesperson also strongly responded to remarks made by American actress and social media influencer Skai Jackson, who recently sparked outrage after claiming in an interview that mirrors were a rare and expensive luxury in Kenya and that many Kenyan children had only seen their reflections through her mobile phone.
Mwaura dismissed the remarks as false, misleading and demeaning to Kenyans, saying they portrayed an inaccurate picture of the country. He said such narratives reinforce harmful stereotypes about Africa and unfairly undermine Kenya’s image on the global stage.
He noted that Kenyans had rightly rejected the claims online, with many social media users criticizing the actress for spreading misinformation and making insensitive comments about the country. Mwaura said public figures with global influence have a responsibility to verify facts before making statements that could damage another nation’s reputation.
Drawing a political link, Mwaura argued that negative narratives about Kenya were being amplified internationally because of statements made by local political leaders. He accused Gachagua of giving critics ammunition by portraying Kenya as an unsafe destination for visitors and investors.
“Kenya’s image is a national asset that should not be sacrificed for political mileage,” Mwaura said, urging leaders across the political divide to exercise responsibility when addressing international audiences.
The government spokesperson further accused opposition leaders of politicizing security issues to gain political advantage, warning that persistent negative messaging could erode investor confidence, reduce tourist arrivals and slow economic growth.
He maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to safeguarding peace, protecting investments and ensuring Kenya continues to be viewed as one of Africa’s leading destinations for tourism, trade and investment.
The exchange marks the latest escalation in the political confrontation between the government and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with both sides increasingly clashing over the country’s security, governance and economic outlook.