A group of interreligious council in Vihiga County is calling for public participation on the raging debate over importation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) even as the government insists on carrying on with the plan amid massive opposition.
Led by the council’s chairman, Fr Martin Chibole, the religious leaders asked the government to halt the importation plan and engage Kenyans in collecting views on the move that is intended to help address the biting food shortage in the country.
And as religious leaders called for public participation, the local Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is asking the government to import the deficit only so as to cushion local traders against making losses.
Fr Chibole cited concerns around health and adverse effects caused by GMOs on the soil as the reason for public participation.
He said views collected from Kenyans will help the government make an informed decision on the push to import GMO maize into the country.
“We are asking the government to halt the importation order and engage public participation to gather views from Kenyans.It is largely believed GMO has adverse effects on health and the soil. At the moment, many of our people are struggling with cancer,” said Fr Chibole.
“GMO might be the cause of increased cancerous infections. Public participation will help resolve this matter.”
The cleric said religious leaders have a feeling that the government rushed when it lifted the ban on GMO that was placed ten years ago.
The religious leaders also took issue with Trade CS Mr Moses Kuria for “bragging” that the importation plan will go on despite concerns being raised by Kenyans.
