Martha Karua claims prominent politicians are behind the importation of duty-free maize in the country.
The Narc Kenya Party Leader who has joined the growing list of leaders opposing the importation of GMO Maize stated that politicians are out to make quick money at the expense of local maize farmers.
“Maize, maize, maize. Source of daily meal for many Kenyans. To wheeler dealers, a get-rich-quick medium imported often needlessly at the expense of the local farmer,” Karua’s tweeted.
Moreover, Karua took a swipe at President William Ruto claiming he was associated with a maize scandal when he was Agriculture minister in the Grand Coalition Government.
“We are now set for season two of the Maize scandal. Ships docking with the consignment of maize before rules of importation are known and when local farmers are harvesting,” she stated.
According to Karua, the introduction of genetically modified foodstuffs was irregular because there was no legitimate Cabinet when the decision was allegedly made.
Also Read: Ship Carrying Imported Maize Docks in Mombasa
“To add in the mix is purported Cabinet approval for GMO products to enter the country.”
She further added that the decision on GMOs was no more than a roadside declaration, thence illegitimate.
Maize, Maize, Maize. Source of daily meal for a majority of Kenyans. To wheeler dealers a get rich quick medium, imported often needlessly at the expense of the local farmer. In the grand coalition government as agriculture minister William Ruto was associated with Maize scandal
— Martha Karua SC (@MarthaKarua) November 23, 2022
“Once a president is inaugurated after elections, the reign of the outgoing ends and the outgoing Cabinet dissolved by operation of law. The Cabinet meetings with Uhuru’s Cabinet after inauguration was a nullity.” She stated
Additionally, a section of MPs opposing the importation of GMO have since threatened to impeach Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria over the same as farmers are anticipating a bumper harvest.
Nonetheless, these politicians, mostly from the North Rift and Western region, have demanded that CS Kuria should stop the issuance of the gazette notice to allow the importation of 10 million bags until April next year.
Furthermore, the legislators led by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, said the Cabinet has not approved any maize importation.