Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has appealed to Cord leaders to shun violent protests.

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Balala said the demonstrations will hurt the tourism sector which has just started thriving.

Speaking on Friday in Diani during the official commissioning of Hillmark Amare Resort, Balala said he was not opposed to the demonstrations organised by the opposition, demanding for the removal of IEBC commissioners.

He however criticised cases of protesters looting and destroying other people's property, saying the move was tainting Kenya's image in overseas tourist markets.

“It is primitive for demonstrators to use violence. We cannot accept this and the opposition leaders involved in the chaotic protests should face the law,” said Balala.

He said the government had put in a lot of effort to revive the sector, adding that if the country plunges into chaos, Coast residents would suffer the most.

"The government has worked hard in reviving the tourism sector, but the chaotic anti- IEBC protests might slow down the process," he said.

The CS said the sector was growing at a good pace and urged Kenyans to embrace the holiday culture in a bid to boost local tourism.