Even GMO Foods Can Kill Us In Kenya- Moses Kuria

This, he said, is among the many aspects that can cause fatal harm to Kenyans, even being in the country.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Nov 18, 2022 - 08:22 Updated: Nov 18, 2022 - 08:23
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Even GMO Foods Can Kill Us In Kenya- Moses Kuria
Trade CS, Moses Kuria during a past forum. /FILE

Trade, Industry and Investments Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria has drawn controversy again over his confession that Genetically Modified Organisms, better known as GMOs, have the ability to kill Kenyans.

Speaking on Thursday, November 17 during the 10th annual Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) conference at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kuria confessed in public that the 10 million duty-free GMO maize he allowed to be imported can be added to the list of causes of death in Kenya.

This, he said, is among the many aspects that can cause fatal harm to Kenyans, even being in the country.

Trade CS Moses Kuria speaking at Strathmore University on November 17, 2022. /TWITTER.INDUSTRYKE

"We have so many things that can kill us in the country. Being in this country, you are a candidate for death. 

"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," Kuria stated as the audience burst into laughter.

It was the very same day he announced that he allowed a duty-free importation of GMOs to cushion Kenyans from the ravaging effects of drought leading to food scarcity and consequently hunger.

"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 6 months," he tweeted.

"It is our responsibility as the government. I know this will offend some people, but even if we lose some votes here and there, we shall see the kingdom of heaven," Kuria added. 

His comments however sparked an uproar, with Kenyans expressing their disgust at his words. Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo said "This Is Truly Sad!" in response to the Trade CS.

Juliet Wachira, however, offered a different angle in defence of the CS, stating that Kenyans need to understand the aspects of GMO foods.

"The general public ought to be well informed that GMO does not mean harm. Most, if not all, the genetic modifications performed on these crops are aimed at improving quality, texture, appearance and overall yield of the crop," she noted.

President William Ruto's administration, through a Cabinet meeting on Monday, October 3, lifted the 10-year-old ban in a bid to provide food surplus to the country owing to the high cost of living.

"Every piece of bread I’ve ever eaten is from genetically modified wheat, every piece of corn I’ve eaten is G.M.O," American billionaire Bill Gates revealed during his tour of Kenya regarding the benefits of consuming GMO foods. Notably, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka fired at the Head of State, exposing him as once a man who was against GMOs during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture.

He also feared that due to the patterns, Kenya's food system would be at the mercy of the multinational companies that own GMO technology while the indigenous seeds and unique biodiversity will be facing extinction owing to the poor regulatory framework from GMOs in Kenya.

An image of GMO maize. /FILE

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