President William Ruto on Wednesday, January 4 castigated those who have opposed his plan to introduce genetically modified foods in the country.
Ruto who was speaking at State House Nairobi during a media interview revealed that he was a scientist himself and that GMOs were safe for Kenyans.
“Who told you GMO was unsafe, it is just less than one per cent GMO, our food is already GMO,
“As the leader in this country I cannot oversee the consumption of bad food for Kenyans who elected me, he added.
“I am equally a scientist, and all scientists and universities in Kenya agree that GMOs have no issues, countries like South Africa, and America have 100% GMO,
“Have you heard of anyone growing horns in South Africa, or developing extra limbs because of consuming GMOs?” he posed.
According to the president, the smear campaign on GMOs was just propaganda by detractors to prevent the country from producing enough food for its citizens.
Ruto stated that his intention was to ensure that no Kenyan died of hunger again.
"My intention is to ensure we eradicate the high cost of living and solve the perennial issue of Kenyans dying of hunger 60 years after independence," he observed.
"This is an indictment on us as leaders," he added.
In October 2022, the government lifted a 10-year ban on the cultivation and importation of genetically modified crops.
The decision was guided by recommendations of a task force on genetically modified foods and food safety and guidelines of the National Biosafety Authority.
While the move was welcomed by some, opponents cited safety concerns to human health and the environment.
