Karua says Mt. Kenya tea farmers losing billions over Ruto’s RSF ties

Speaking in Kagio, Kirinyaga County, during the launch of her three-day 'Purple Train' tour, Karua accused the government of engaging in reckless diplomacy, particularly in relation to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which she claimed has strained trade relations and hurt local farmers.

The 2027 presidential aspirant said the impact became evident after Sudan, a key importer of Kenyan tea, imposed an indefinite ban on Kenyan imports, leaving farmers grappling with losses and uncertainty.

"When Sudan, a major importer of the tea you grow, announced an indefinite ban on Kenyan imports last month, it was you who suffered, and continue to suffer. It is your families that are left wondering how to pay fees, and this is a direct result of a diplomatic fallout with our neighbours," she stated.

She argued that before the ban, Sudan imported more than 10.7 million kilograms of Kenyan tea annually, generating between Ksh.3.88 billion and Ksh.5.17 billion. The suspension, she said, could result in industry losses of up to Ksh.7 billion.

Karua further claimed that the suspension was linked to Kenya’s alleged dealings with individuals connected to the RSF, citing concerns raised earlier this year over reports that Algoney Hamdan Dagalo - the brother of RSF commander Hamdan 'Hemedti' Dagalo - had been issued with a Kenyan passport.

"It is a tragedy of leadership. While Ruto traverses the country claiming to have the ‘massive support’ of Central Kenya, his policies are systematically emptying the pockets of the very people he claims to love," she added.

The former Water Minister also criticised the government over delays in the Thiba Dam expansion project, saying the setbacks had negatively affected farmers in Mwea. 

She cited findings by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee indicating that more than Ksh.42 million in taxpayer funds had been lost to interest penalties due to delayed payments to contractors.

"When they waste over Ksh.40 million on penalties instead of finishing irrigation canals, they are eating the future of your children," Karua added. 

She accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to support key agricultural sectors, arguing that farmers across tea, coffee and rice value chains were being neglected.

Karua called for greater transparency in the government’s foreign engagements and urged urgent interventions to stabilise the agricultural sector and protect export markets.