Holidays in Kenya are popular with Brits in search of adventurous safaris.
But the safety of travellers has been called into question after the fatal shooting of Tristan Voorspuy.
The former British army officer was killed by pastoral herders in Laikipia while inspecting one of his lodges, Sosian Ranch.
Mr Voorspuy was the founder of luxury safari company Offbeat Safaris, established in 1990.
First offering horseback safaris, the popular business has grown to include three safari camps and lodges.
It’s believed herdsmen stormed the lodge in search of pasture, which has become an ongoing problem as the region suffers through drought.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated its travel advice to British tourists.
On its website, the FCO warned: “A British national was murdered on his Laikipia ranch as he went to investigate damage caused by invaders.”
But the FCO has not advised against travel to Laikipia, nor to any other safari destinations in the country.
Tourism officials in Kenya have quickly moved to reassure tourists after the tragic incident.
The tourism board said in a statement: “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.
“The present unrest and insecurity are restricted to a few localities and a small number of ranches and that the well-known wildlife conservancies and tourism facilities in the rest of Laikipia are not affected and remain calm and peaceful.
“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.”
Britain’s high commissioner to Kenya has urged the nation to restore law and order after the fatal shooting.
Nic Hailey said: “[I] continue to urge the Kenyan authorities to take all necessary steps urgently to restore law and order, and to protect life and property in the area.”
There is also a high threat from terrorism in Kenya after a number of attacks in recent years.
But of the 117,000 British residents who travel to Kenya each year, the FCO advises most visits are trouble-free.
Express.co.uk has contacted Kenya’s tourism board for comment.
