Azimio La Umoja- One Kenya Alliance leaders have questioned the government’s move to allow the reintroduction of genetically modified products(GMOs). The production and consumption of such products was outlawed in 2012 by a cabinet resolution.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at a press conference at his party headquarters urged the president to rethink his decision. The former vice president said that in as much as the move can alleviate the food security situation in the short term, there is a high risk of citizens experiencing health effects as a result of the same.

Senior Counsel Kalonzo Musyoka also stated that GMO food will cause issues when it comes to exporting our agricultural produce to neighboring countries since most do not advocate for production of GMO foods, while also condemning the church for their silence on the matter.

“We are surprised by the silence of the Church which was once against GMOs. Could it be that they are pacified by the new administration… we urge our religious leaders not to sell their souls but to speak the truth to power,” Kalonzo said

Former Premier Raila Odinga also weighed on the matter when he attended the “bunge la mwananchi” meeting in Jevanjee gardens. Rt Hon Odinga said that the decision doesn’t make sense because even in Europe they don’t want anything to do with GMO.

“These things have been there for 10 years, and many European countries have rejected them, yet they are more advanced. The main reason, European countries denied it is because of health concerns. I hear they wanted to do research. Which research will they do? We have rejected it. We must stand up and say no to GMOs,” he reiterated.

Narok senator Ledama Ole Kina also expressed his reservations for the move by warning of severe health effects of the GMO products.

“We must say a big no to GMOs, otherwise we shall end up having newborns with 15 fingers who will be resistant to antibiotics and develop allergies,” stated the legistlator.