Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged President William Ruto to rethink his stand on the move by cabinet to lift the ban on Genetically Modified Foods(GMO).
Kalonzo says as much as lifting of the ban will reduce food shortage in the country,in the long run, citizens will experience adverse health effects.
“When the President was Minister for Agriculture, he was vehemently opposed to GMOs . I’m calling on William to reconsider his stand for the sake of this country,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo stated that GMO food will cause issues when it comes to exporting our agricultural produce to neighboring countries since most do not advocate for production of GMO foods.
“Even if our farmers adopt the BT-maize seed, this will not bring down the cost of maize since the price is artificially manipulated,” he added.
At the same time, Kalonzo challenged the Church to speak against the introduction of GMO foods in Kenya.
“We are surprised by the silence of the Church which was once against GMOs. Could it be that they are pacified by the new administration… we urge our religious leaders not to sell their souls but to speak the truth to power,” he said.
Genetically modified crops have generally raised concerns about potentially harmful effects on smallholder farms, existing crops, the environment and people’s long-term health.
Also Read:Government Lifts Ban on GMO Crops