Raila Odinga urges Kenyans to oppose plan to import GMO maize

Raila Odinga

ODM leader Raila Odinga (centre) with Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi (lect) and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed addressing journalists at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, Nairobi on planned importation of GMO maize on November 20, 2022. 

Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru I Nation Media Group

ODM leader Raila Odinga has urged Kenyans to oppose planned importation of GMO maize.

He says the lifting of the ban was illegal as the required processes for such a decision were not followed and that the people’s voice must be heard and respected.

During the week, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition criticised the government’s decision to allow importation of GMOs. 

Terming the decision “insincere and incoherent with the promises it [govt] made during the campaign period”, the opposition said the move raises more questions than answers.

The Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Opiyo Wandayi, said the Azimio faction is opposed to the introduction of the GMO products into the country in the name of fighting hunger.

“Why has there been no effort to get ordinary maize from other parts of the world or was importation of GMOs part of the pre-election deal between President William Ruto and foreign backers?” MP Opiyo Wandayi posed.