Raila's Lawyer Moves to Overturn Ruto Directive on GMO Foods

From left; Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Azimio deputy presidential candidate Martha Karua and Azimio flagbearer Raila Odinga with his lawyer Paul Mwangi at the Supreme Court on August 22, 2022
From left; Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Azimio deputy presidential candidate Martha Karua and Azimio flagbearer Raila Odinga with his lawyer Paul Mwangi at the Supreme Court on August 22, 2022
Kenyans.co.ke

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's lawyer, Paul Mwangi, has moved to court to overturn the Cabinet's decision on reintroducing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

In his petition, Mwangi urged the court to overturn the directive by President William Ruto's administration which he argued was unconstitutional.

He explained that the order was harmful not only to the farmers but also to the consumers.

Raila's lawyer, in particular, added that the country would be exposed to foods and crops that had not been tested in Kenya, putting the soil at risk.

President William Ruto gives his speech during the launch of the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) Market Place on October 11, 2022 in Nairobi.
President William Ruto gives his speech during the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) Market Place launch on October 11, 2022 in Nairobi.

"The hasty removal of all regulatory protocols in the cultivation and trade in genetically modified foods in Kenya is neither rational nor reasonable.

"It goes against the right to food of acceptable quality, consumer rights guaranteed by Article 43, right to fair administrative action in Article 47 and Freedom of conscience, religion thought belief and opinion," the lawyer stated.

Mwangi, in the court documents, also stated that the country would become reliant on European technology, further going against the tenants of the country's independence.

The move by Mwangi came days after Raila vowed to challenge the Cabinet's ratification of GMOs in the country.

While addressing Bunge la Wananchi on October 11, Raila questioned Ruto's reintroduction of the technology in Kenya, which was vehemently opposed by European countries. 

In particular, he cited health concerns medical practitioners and food experts raised. 

"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 stated.

GMOs were banned by the government in 2012 by President Mwai Kibaki.

Advocate Paul Mwangi defending Raila's Petition at the Supreme Court on August 31, 2022
Advocate Paul Mwangi defending Raila's Petition at the Supreme Court on August 31, 2022
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