The opposition leader Raila Odinga has called upon Kenyans to reject the Genetically Modified (GMO) maize after the cabinet sanctioned six months’ duty free import of the controversial GMO maize.
Addressing the media today, Raila accused the president William Ruto for hurriedly lifting the ban without adequate public participation warning of catastrophic impact on people’s health, environment and the generation research and innovation on agriculture in Kenya’s tertiary institutions.
The government has already approved duty-free importation of 10 million bags of genetically modified maize for at least six months.
“We consider the decision to lift ban on GMO foods and their importation a betrayal to our country. On this, the Ruto administration is not working for Kenya. He is being is puppet, working for the foreign nations and their multinationals against our interest as a nation. Ruto is not working to promote Kenyan research work in Kenyan universities, colleges and institutions. He is working to promote foreign biotechnology institutions abroad.” Raila said.
He challenged Trade and Investments Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria to apologise to Kenyans for his controversial statement saying adding GMO to death risk factors in Kenya should not be a cause for worry.
“Being in this country you are a candidate for death and because there are many things competing for death in this country, there is nothing wrong with adding GMOs to that list.” Kuria said.
“GMOs can cause harm to human and animal life and to the entire national ecosystems. They can dramatically reduce or eliminate plant diversity. It is an established fact that once GMOs are introduced, it is virtually impossible to stop their transfer where natural crops are grown because of wind and insect pollination. “
So far, among the countries that have banned GMO include; France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Hungary, The Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Poland, Denmark, Malta, Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia.
In Africa, Algeria, and Madagascar have banned GMOs while in Asia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Bhutan, and Saudi Arabia have disallowed GMOs.
In the Americas, Belize, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela have also banned GMOs.
“We ask Kenyans to oppose this move and to totally reject any GMO foods should they ever enter the Kenyan market. Our constitution is clear on the sovereignty of the people on matters both small and large. On grave matters such as life-altering GMO foods and technology, the people’s voice must be heard and respected. We are sure the people and their chosen leaders will overwhelmingly reject GMOs once their views are heard.” Raila said.
