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MP Kaluma tells off Ruto over GMO remarks

He said the country has the ability to produce enough natural food to feed Kenyans.

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by BRIAN ORUTA

News05 January 2023 - 05:56
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In Summary


  • • "The GMO debate is beyond "matiti" (breasts). Let's empower our people, not foreign businessmen," Kaluma said.
  • • Ruto said those opposed to the importation of the product are individuals who are out to distract him from his cause to address food insecurity in the country.
Homa Bay town MP Peter Kaluma during a media briefing in Parliament.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has told off President William Ruto over Wednesday's remarks on the importation of GMO foods.

The MP said the country has the ability to produce enough natural food to feed Kenyans.

"The GMO debate is beyond "matiti" (breasts). We're in the tropics with maximum rainfall and arable soil. We can produce enough natural food for our people and for sale, with necessary government support. Let's empower our people, not foreign businessmen," Kaluma said.

Kaluma's reaction came after Ruto said those opposed to the importation of the product are individuals who are out to distract him from his cause to address food insecurity in the country.

He said South Africa and the USA were 100 per cent using GMO products yet there are no proven effects on the lives of its people.

"Mimi mwenyewe nimekula chakula ya GMO, lazima tuambiane ukweli...umesikia mtu amemea mapembe, amemea miguu ama ndevu kule South Africa kwa sababu ya kukula GMO?" he said.

This loosely translates to," I have eaten GMO foods. Let's be sincere, have you heard of anyone who has grown horns, legs or beards after consuming GMO food in South Africa."

Ruto also disclosed that all food imports have GMO components but which he stated are within the one per cent required by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

Kaluma further said countries that have embraced GMO foods have developed stronger health management systems, unlike Kenya.

"Countries which use GMOs have developed health systems for treatment of cancer and other diseases unlike Kenya. In Kenya, cancer is near certain death!" he said.

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