- They claimed that the declaration on the importation and cultivation of GMO maize was never subjected to public participation.
- “The Judge hearing this matter is on leave and I'm only stepping in. So I'm going to give directions as per her directions,” Ong'undi said.
Image: FILE
An application by the Attorney General seeking to have a petition challenging the importation of GMO foods will be handled on April 17.
High court Judge Hedwig Ong’undi directed the petitioner-Kenyan Peasants League (KPL) to file their responses and submissions to the AG’s application by March 31.
The case should have been heard by Justice Mugure Thande but she was seized of the matter.
“The Judge hearing this matter is on leave and I'm only stepping in. So I'm going to give directions as per her directions,” Ong'undi said.
Attorney-General Justin Muturi on February 14 sought to have a consolidated petition lodged against the importation of genetically modified organisms heard and determined by a three-judge bench
He said the issues raised by the petitioners—Paul Mwangi and Kenyan Peasants League, were weighty.
At the time of lodging the case in court, KPL’s members stated they are worried that by introducing the GMOs, Kenyan citizens will be enslaved to the western countries who control and manufacture seeds knowing GMO seeds cannot be replicated and must be bought from the suppliers.
They claimed that the declaration on the importation and cultivation of GMO maize was never subjected to public participation.
"It is even more alarming that on November 18, CS Trade Moses Kuria acknowledged the risk that GMOs pose to the right to life where he stated that there is nothing wrong to adding GMOs to the list of things that can kill Kenyans," KPL said.
At a cabinet meeting earlier this month (3 October), the Kenyan government lifted a ten-year ban on the importation of GM foods to combat climate change and foster food security.
But the High Court has since suspended the importation following three petitions challenging the lifting of the ban by President William Ruto.
The petitioners are opposed to the importation, cultivation and consumption of GMOs on grounds that the decision to lift the ban was not procedural or lawful.
They also contend that GMO products pose a health risk to Kenyans, particularly the poor and those with low incomes