Kalonzo links Kenya’s tea sector decline to Ruto’s diplomatic missteps
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, February 24, 2026Kalonzo Musyoka has sharply criticised President William Ruto, accusing his administration of undermining Kenya’s relationships with key international communities, leading to a decline in the market for Kenyan Tea, as one of the main exports of Kenya
Speaking at a public rally in Nyamira County on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Wiper Party leader warned that Kenya’s global reputation has been undermined, attributing this to President Ruto, saying it has caused a decline in the price of tea in the international market.
“Na sababu ni kuharibu uhusiano na nchi jirani.Majani yetu inanunuliwa kwa wingi na nchi kama Pakistan, Egypt na Sudan. Lakini yeye alienda kushikana na wahuni mpaka mkubwa wa serikali akasema hataki majani chai kutoka Kenya, na ndio maana bei ya majani imeshuka,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo has said that the largest markets for Kenyan tea have long been Pakistan, Egypt, and Sudan, which have since deteriorated. He further accused the Ruto government of severing Kenya’s relationship with Sudan to the point that the Sudanese government declined to buy tea from Kenya.
Kalonzo argues that international investor confidence and market access require more than domestic interventions; they require political stability and strong diplomatic relationships. With the 2027 elections approaching, the debate over governance, international engagement, and economic stewardship is intensifying, placing both Kenya’s global image and its critical tea sector at the centre of political discussions.
Kalonzo Musyoka emphasised that the current administration has mismanaged both domestic and international affairs, leaving the country isolated and undermining investor confidence.
“The time has come for Kenyans to stand together and reclaim our government,” Kalonzo added.
United Opposition visit to Kisii land
A coalition of opposition leaders led by Jubilee Presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i has been on a two-day tour to the Kisii region, where they have issued a bold call for concerted national action to remove President William Ruto from office, citing governance failures, economic decline, as well as deteriorating international relations.
The united front says Kenya is at a critical juncture and must act decisively to restore democracy and economic stability.