Gachagua says Ruto’s deal with RSF cost Kenya tea farmers
By David Nthua, October 5, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has regretted that a deal between President William Ruto and the rebel movement in Sudan is causing untold suffering to Kenyan tea farmers.
Speaking to a local TV station on Sunday, October 5, 2025, the former second in command said that the decision led to the banning of Kenyan tea exports to Sudan, severely hurting the sector.
Gachagua said that while he was in charge of tea reforms, the industry was flourishing, but a single move by President Ruto disrupted years of progress.
He accused the Head of State of engaging in business dealings with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, alias Hemedti.
Tea farmers feeling the pain
“Today, tea farmers are up in arms. I was in charge of tea reforms, and things were going well.
“A single decision by Ruto to do business with the rebel movement in Sudan, the RSF of Hemedti, alias Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who is a business partner of William Ruto, made the government of Sudan ban the importation of Kenyan tea,” said Gachagua.
According to him, the ban has led to plummeting tea prices in local markets, leaving farmers across Kenya in frustration.
“As a result of that ban, we have not been able to sell tea at good prices. What is the result? The prices of tea have gone down.
“Farmers across the country, including in his home in Kericho and Bomet, where he comes from, his kinsmen are up in arms,” he said.
Gold-for-arms deal
Gachagua went on to accuse the President of prioritising personal gain over the welfare of farmers.
“It is a simple personal decision. Just because he wants to deal with gold with Sudan and give them arms in exchange for killing women and children, we cannot sell our tea. These are things I saw along the way,” he stated.
Political observers say Gachagua’s remarks mark an escalation in his rivalry with President Ruto ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The claims have sparked nationwide debate, with many calling for an official government response to clarify the alleged trade ties with the Sudanese rebel group.