DP warns against anti-foreigner rhetoric as investor confidence at stake
Democratic Party of Kenya national officials during the opening of the Othaya branch last weekend. Photo, Courtesy
Party chairman says government must tackle youth unemployment through policy, not inflammatory statements
By Brian Gitonga
The Democratic Party of Kenya yesterday warned the government to exercise caution in its public remarks about foreign nationals doing business in the country, saying inflammatory statements risk damaging investor confidence and straining Kenya’s diplomatic relationships.
DP national chairman Peter Ndubai said recent comments by some leaders targeting foreign businesspeople had caused concern among investors and members of the diplomatic community, and that the government had a responsibility to choose its words carefully.
“Kenyans are already undergoing significant economic hardships as a result of poor policies and governance decisions by the government,” Ndubai said, adding that the solution to youth unemployment lay in expanding economic opportunities — not in rhetoric that could trigger unintended consequences.
He proposed increased investment in skills development, incentives for businesses and consistent enforcement of existing laws as a more durable path to creating opportunities for young Kenyans. Ndubai also noted that millions of Kenyans live and work abroad, arguing that Kenya must protect its citizens overseas while extending the same respect to foreign nationals who lawfully live, work and invest within its borders.
He called for structured consultations between the government, diplomatic representatives and the business community to develop a balanced response to unemployment — one that preserves Kenya’s standing as an attractive investment destination.
Ndubai also turned his attention to what he described as organised attacks on people participating in peaceful opposition activities, which he condemned in strong terms. He said the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to express political views, assemble peacefully and participate in political life without fear of intimidation, and that those rights were not negotiable.
He challenged security agencies to investigate reported attacks, identify the perpetrators and ensure suspects face justice regardless of their political affiliations. “Political differences must never be settled through violence,” he said, warning political actors against deploying hired groups to intimidate opponents.
With the 2027 General Election drawing closer, Ndubai urged political parties and their leaders to embrace dialogue, tolerance and peaceful competition as the only legitimate basis for political contest.
On the party’s internal affairs, Ndubai said the DP was expanding its grassroots presence through membership recruitment, mobilisation and outreach activities across the country. He said the party was assessing potential candidates for elective positions as it prepared to offer what he described as a democratic alternative grounded in unity, peace, accountability, good governance and service to citizens. Young people, women and professionals with the competence and integrity to serve in public office would be prioritised, he added.
Ndubai also called for a lasting resolution to recurring disruptions in the healthcare sector, particularly those affecting nursing services. He said the pattern of handling disputes through temporary interventions and crisis-driven negotiations had gone on long enough, and that a sustainable framework was overdue.
That framework, he said, should address remuneration, staffing levels, working conditions, career progression, access to equipment and medicines, and the implementation of agreements already reached between government and health workers. Failure to resolve the underlying problems, he warned, would result in repeated strikes and continued disruption of essential services — with ordinary patients bearing the cost.
“Kenya needs lasting solutions — not temporary fixes,” he said.
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