Mombasa’s tourism is under threat—not from gangs, but from misinformation. Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has fiercely denied viral reports claiming that 50 armed youths attacked a cruise ship and robbed tourists at the Port of Mombasa.
He says such fake news is not just reckless—it’s dangerous.
During the Eid Baraza on Saturday, Joho warned that misleading media reports could destroy the country’s tourism image, scare away international visitors, and undo months of hard work to revive the industry. “Report responsibly,” Joho demanded. “Misinformation hurts the nation.”
CS Hassan Joho: “There Was No Attack on Tourists in Mombasa”
Mining CS Hassan Joho did not mince words during the Eid Baraza in Mombasa County. He accused some media outlets of lying about a supposed tourist robbery by a gang of 50 youths.
Joho flatly denied that any tourists were attacked after the arrival of the Crystal Symphony cruise ship at the Port of Mombasa on March 31.
“I know the false story was widely shared. But no gang attacked any cruise ship or tourists,” Joho said, visibly frustrated.
He blamed the media for spreading panic and said this falsehood was already causing real damage. Some tourists, he noted, were now avoiding the port due to fear sparked by the misleading reports.
“Such careless reporting hurts Kenya’s economy,” he added. “Tourists are now considering other destinations. We can’t allow fake stories to ruin our progress.”
Media Urged to Stop Spreading Panic
Joho made it clear: Kenya’s tourism industry is too important to be sabotaged by inaccurate reporting. He urged media outlets to check their facts before publishing and to focus on supporting the government’s efforts to grow tourism—not tear it down.
“It takes months to attract one cruise ship,” he said. “A single fake report can drive away dozens.”
Joho reminded journalists that their words have power. By painting Mombasa as unsafe, he said, they risk collapsing an industry that employs thousands and brings in vital revenue.
“Stop misreporting,” he said sternly. “Support Kenya, not its downfall.”
Government’s Push to Boost Cruise Tourism
At the Eid Baraza meeting, which was attended by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and other senior officials, Joho outlined the government’s plan to boost maritime traffic.
As the former governor of Mombasa and now in charge of mining and maritime affairs, Joho said his team is working hard to bring more cruise liners to Kenya.
“We’re putting in real effort to grow this sector,” he said. “My job is to make sure more cruise ships dock at Mombasa and other ports.”
Despite the setback from fake news, Joho emphasized that Kenya remains safe for tourists. He encouraged potential visitors not to be scared off by unverified online posts.
His reassurance comes amid fears caused by recent viral claims that a group of machete-wielding gangsters attacked tourists near Pembe za Ndovu, a popular tourist area on Moi Avenue.
Crackdown on Gangs in Mombasa
Following the viral reports, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched a swift crackdown.
Authorities arrested over 50 suspected gang members believed to have been terrorizing parts of Mombasa.
While the alleged attack on tourists remains unverified, police are treating gang-related crime seriously. The arrests were made to restore calm and ensure public safety, especially in areas frequented by visitors.
