• Narok Senator Ledma Olekina termed Kuria's remarks as absolutely ludicrous.
• His Nandi counterpart Samson Cheraigei was also critical of Kuria's remarks but on the economic implications the GMO maize importation would occasion.
Image: FILE
A conversation has erupted online in response to Trade CS Moses Kuria's remarks on why the government lifted the ban on GMOs despite the life threatening risks genetically modified foods pose to humans.
In his remarks Thursday, the CS said as it stands, Kenyans are staring at death courtesy of a myriad of risks and there's nothing wrong with adding GMOs on the list of risks.
"By just being in this country, you are a candidate for death. And because there are so many things competing to kill you, there is nothing wrong with adding GMOs to that list," Kuria said.
He spoke during a press conference at which he announced that the government will soon allow a six-month duty free importation of 10 million bags of GMO and non-GMO maize for food security.
The 19 second clip has since gone viral after being share on multiple social media platforms.
Wow I can’t believe he actually said that
— K.I.N.G 🤴🏾😎 🔰 (@kingpin4_20) November 18, 2022
Kenyans have responded with mixed reactions with some terming the remarks an admission by government that reintroduction of GMOs was a deliberate life cutting intervention.
Others questioned why the Church, which was opposed to the lifting of the ban in previous years remained silent.
Political leaders also weighed in on the matter and cautioned against the importation of GMO maize in the country.
Narok Senator Ledma Olekina termed Kuria's remarks as absolutely ludicrous.
"Dear Kenyans do Not allow GMO maize into this country please do not! If a cabinet secretary can say they have deliberately decided to allow GMO into the country to kill people should we really fall into their trap? Come on! be serious," he said in a statement on Twitter.
His Nandi counterpart Samson Cheraigei was also critical of the former Gatundu South MP's remarks and cited the economic implications the GMO maize importation would occasion.
He said it's currently the harvesting season and bringing in cheap maize imports will lower prices and cause farmers losses.
CS Moses kuria at his usual element but our Rift Valley farmers are currently harvesting maize , the importation of maize should stop until govt has mopped up all this year's crop & avoid lowering prices that doesn't match the inputs incurred by maize farmers!.
— Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei (@scherargei) November 18, 2022
But even then, other Kenyans concurred with Kuria on his sentiments that Kenya as a country is already an allay of death.
the guy is talking the truth, we are getting stabbed in town for no reason, civilians are raiding police stations while cops are getting slapped infront of the camera....what is wrong with adding GMO? actually food prices will reduce drastically
— Gonzalez Eduardo (@Edwardw2016) November 18, 2022
The government early last month lifted the 10-year ban on importation and open cultivation of GMO food crops and animal feeds.
However, there are several risks associated with the consumption of genetically modified organisms.
The main concerns involve allergies, cancer, and environmental issues, all of which may affect the consumer.
GMOs are also thought to contribute to antibiotic resistance.
In Africa, Kenya became the eight country to allow the commercial cultivation and importation of GMO crops alongside South Africa, Sudan, Malawi, Nigeria, Eswatini, Ethiopia and Ghana.