Kalonzo takes full credit after Sudan lifts ban on Kenyan tea

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has claimed credit for helping secure the lifting of Sudan’s ban on Kenyan tea imports, dismissing President William Ruto’s role in the diplomatic process.

Speaking on Saturday, November 14, 2026, during a funeral service for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s sister, Kalonzo said he used an opportunity to contact Sudanese authorities, leading to the lifting of the restrictions the following morning.

“I have managed to get this ban lifted. It has nothing to do with Ruto,” Kalonzo said, challenging the president’s supporters over who deserved credit for the development.

The Wiper leader said arrangements had been made on the preceding Sunday for a final appeal to Sudan to lift the ban.

“If you remember Rigathi, on Sunday, the arrangement was so that we lift this ban tomorrow,” he said, referring to an engagement in Kitengela.

“Ukiwa in Kitengela on Sunday, just make the final call kwamba we now request the Government of Sudan to lift this ban,” he added.

Kalonzo said he seized the opportunity to make the call despite the  political atmosphere at the time, claiming the lifting followed the next morning.

“And the following morning the lifting happened. Sasa ni Ruto ama ni sisi? Mwenye kuleta majani chai inunuliwe tena ni Ruto ama ni Kalonzo?” he asked.

Sudan lifted its ban on Kenyan tea imports on November 8, 2026, ending a 20-month restriction that disrupted exports and left consignments stranded at the Port of Mombasa.

Sudan’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Mahasin Ali Yaqoub, signed Ministerial Order No. 25 of 2026, allowing tea imports from Kenya to resume.

Before the ban, Sudan bought about 35 million kilogrammes of Kenyan tea annually, worth approximately Ksh9 billion.

The restrictions followed diplomatic tensions after Kenya hosted meetings involving Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces.

In August 2026, Kalonzo visited the Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi and met Ambassador Kamal Jabara Gubara to appeal for the resumption of tea imports.

“I remain hopeful that our discussions will contribute to a positive resolution that benefits both Kenya and Sudan,” he said after the meeting.

While Kalonzo has claimed credit for the lifting of the ban, Sudan’s decision followed diplomatic engagements and appeals from several Kenyan stakeholders. The available information does not independently establish that his call alone led to the decision.