The Kenya tourism industry has issued “deep regrets” over the the death of Tristan Voorspuy, co-owner of Sosian Ranch and owner of Offbeat Safaris, who was killed on Sunday.
He was attacked by unknown assailants who had trespassed onto the 24,000-acre Sosian ranch apparently with groups of herdsmen seeking grazing for their livestock.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed in an updated travel advisory: “A British national was murdered on his Laikipia ranch as he went to investigate damage caused by invaders.”
A joint statement from the KTB and Kenya Tourism Federation said: “On behalf of all industry stakeholders we extend our condolences and sympathy to the family of Mr Voorspuy and to the other Kenyan farmers and ranch employees who have been caught up in the conflict over pasture in the affected area in recent weeks.
“Sosian Ranch is one of the private ranches in northern Laikipia hosting a vibrant population of wildlife.
“During this year’s drought-like conditions, they are one of seven ranches that have been invaded by hungry livestock and pastoralists.”
Tourism activity continues as normal in most of Laikipia and throughout the rest of the country with holidaymakers currently on safari in the country’s national parks and visiting its popular coastal resorts, the two organisations added.
“The tourism industry continues to maintain very close contact with the stakeholders in Laikipia and a fact finding trip to Laikipia was earlier carried out by Kenya Tourism Board and Kenya Tourism Federation industry executives to assess the situation on the ground.
“We fully support the investigations being carried out by the police and other relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators of these lawless acts to justice.
“We believe that the government of Kenya will be giving the highest priority to restoring law and order for all the people in the affected area so that they can enjoy the normal peace and security found throughout the rest of Laikipia county.”