Tourism CS Najib Balala Accuses Raila Odinga of Scaring Away Tourists

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has stated that National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga is scaring away tourists and investors.

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Balala revealed that statements by the Opposition that there will be no repeat election in October are having a negative impact on tourism and the economy.

"So you mean if there is no election there will be war? Those are the things that are scaring our visitors and investors," he stated.

The CS said he is worried the country will not achieve the projected 20 percent increase in the tourism sector by December from the 17 percent registered in 2016.

"I'm a bit worried we may not achieve [growth]. Let us tone down so the damage can be minimised," he said.

Odinga has continuously stated that he will not participate in the polls if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) does not make changes to its team.

On Tuesday, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati suspended three senior officials with immediate effect.

In a leaked memo sent to CEO Ezra Chiloba, the Chairman called for action to be taken against IEBC ICT Director James Muhati, Paul Mugo the ICT Coordinator and Boniface Wamae who is an ICT officer.

According to Chebukati, officers appear to have fallen short of assisting the Commission successfully deliver a free, fair and credible election.

“The Chairman as the National Returning Officer, therefore, demands that the following officers in the ICT directorate be immediately suspended in accordance with the enabling laws,” part of the memo read.

Chebukati added that the move was necessary to not just restore public confidence in the Commission's ability to prepare and deliver credible polls, but also assert the integrity and fidelity of the Commission to the rule of law.