Archbishop Muheria: Apologise to Kenyans over GMO importation remarks

 

Nyeri archbishop Anthony Muheria. [File, Standard]

Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria has criticised Trade CS Moses Kuria over his remarks on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) importation.

While addressing the press at the Nyeri Cathedral o today, the archbishop asked Kuria to apologise to Kenyans for his 'nonchalant remarks' on GMO.

"It was distasteful and disrespectful to Kenyans to joke about life and death, we take exception to how the CS made trivialised statements about the importation of GMOs into the country," he warned

The religious leader has also noted that it was unacceptable to gamble with the lives of Kenyans by ignoring their concerns on the issue.

"This issue of GMOs is a discussion that deserves deep and fair engagement with scientists and the Kenyans so that we can understand the implications behind this issue," he said.

Moreover, Muheria has urged the state to include Kenyans in the discussions by allowing public participation and consulting agricultural experts before making the decision.

"Let us keep politics out of these discussions because the government is taking this route in an effort to offer momentary relief. But we should discuss what ails Kenyans and we need to engage and speak soberly," he said.

On Thursday last week, CS Kuria remarked that Kenyans are faced with many issues that would cause death and that GMOs would not be any different.

The statement elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans on social media.

As a result, the Trade CS tweeted saying his statement had only angered what he termed as 'pizza lovers'.

On Sunday, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga broke his silence and criticised the government calling President Ruto a puppet of certain foreign nations.

Raila challenged the government to provide the research it had relied on before authorising the importation of GM maize.

OHe also called for public participation and parliamentary intervention in the lifting of GMO foods importation.