Kenyans have taken to social media to express their frustrations after the Cabinet Secretary for Trade Moses Kuria said that there are many things that can kill Kenyans apart from the dreaded Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) foods.
Addressing traders yesterday, Kuria said the 10 million duty free GMO maize to be imported into the country is just one way of the many deaths Kenyans fear.
“We have so many things that can kill us in the country. Being in this country, you are a candidate for death,” he said.
“And because so many things compete for death, there is nothing wrong with adding GMOs to that list. That is why we have deliberately allowed GMO until we are satisfied that we have enough maize, the staple food.”
He said the government has resolved for GMO in a move to curb hunger and famine in the country.
“In view of the food situation in the country, I shall be signing instruments to allow duty-free imports of GMO and non-GMO maize for the next six months,” he announced.
The controversial sentiments by Kuria caused an uproar, with a section of Kenya calling him out for the government’s stand on GMO.
“This Is Truly Sad!” Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo said.
“CS Moses Kuria at his usual element but our Rift Valley farmers are currently harvesting maize, the importation of maize should stop until government has mopped up all this year’s crop and avoid lowering prices that don’t match the inputs incurred by maize farmers!” Nandi Senator Cherargei tweeted.
The debate comes at a time when American billionaire Bill Gates concludes his two-day official visit into the country to foster talks on partnership on Kenya’s quest for GMOs.
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