Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has asserted that he will not allow genetically modified foods into the county.
Through a public statement, Nyong’o said accepting GMOs is not the way to deal with food security that has traversed the country.
The Governor said food security and provision of sustainable foods are a fundamental function of any responsible government.
It will kill our domestic seeds industry, killing our own agriculture and making us slaves for the rest of our lives
Governor Nyong’o
This however, he said, should not interfere with everyone’s right to protection and good health.
“This must not compromise the responsibility of ensuring that people’s health is protected,” he noted.
Nyong’o further noted that accepting GMOs will interfere with the ability to grow organic foods which have sustained livelihoods for centuries in Africa.
He furthered: “It will kill our domestic seeds industry, killing our own agriculture and making us slaves for the rest of our lives.”
He noted that importation of GMOs was in the interest and self gain of a few.
He affirmed that in this regard, the lives of Kenyans, environment and the future of the nation must be protected from GMOs.
Government on GMOs
Nyong’o threw shade upon the Kenya Kwanza government saying it has decided to play with the lives of Kenyans.
He claimed that the government had decided to impost genetically modified maize into the country against reasoned advise from scientists.
“This has been compounded by unwarranted reckless statements from Kenya Kwanza officers,” Nyong’o said.
Trade CS Moses Kuria had earlier said there is nothing wrong with importing GMOs.
He was reported saying: “There are so many things competing for death, there is nothing wrong with adding GMOs to that list.”
According to nutritionist, Felix Okoth, GMOs may be dangerous if the produces does not regulate the amount of nutrients to be consumed by a body in a day.
This can cause health issues like liver issues, allergic reactions, cancer and change in DNA.
