Apologise! Raila tells Kuria over GMO remarks

"To say that even without GMOs, Kenyans will die anyway is a mockery to Kenyans."

Piece by: LAURA SHATUMA
Politics

• Kuria said that the government has allowed importation of GMO and non-GMO maize into the country for six months. 

•"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," Kuria said.

Raila Odinga
Image: Twitter

Former prime minsiter Raila Odinga now wants Trade and Industrialization CS Moses Kuria to apologise over remarks he made on Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) foods.

Speaking on Thursday, Kuria said there is nothing wrong adding GMO foods on the list of things that kill Kenyans.

"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.

"That is why we have deliberately decided to allow GMOs in this country until we are satisfied that we have enough maize in this country."

His sentiments has sparked mixed reactions among social media users.

"To say that even without GMOs, Kenyans will die anyway is a mockery to the people of Kenya. @RailaOdinga therefore says Kuria should apologize to the people of Kenya," the tweet reads.

Kuria said that the government has allowed importation of GMO and non-GMO maize into the country for six months. 

"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," Kuria said.

This comes amidst confusion among Kenyans as to whether it was wise for the government to lift the ban on GMO.

In October, the government opened the gates for the importation and use of GMOs.

A statement by President William Ruto said the move was after considering many factors, including experts and technical reports on the adoption of biotechnology.

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