Raila's Lawyer Paul Mwangi Files a Petition Challenging Lifting of Ban on GMOs

Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga’s lawyer Paul Mwangi has filed a petition in court challenging the government’s decision to lift the ban on the importation and cultivation of Genetically Modified Crops (GMOs).

Mwangi argues that the move is unconstitutional and would threaten the country’s food security as it poses a danger to peasant farmers.

He claims that the lifting of the ban exposes Kenyans to foods and crops not tested in the country as it opens the floodgates against the regulations that the 2012 ban on GMOs imposed.

The lawyer contends that the 2012 ban on GMOs did not close the door to the use of biotechnology in Kenya, but rather prevented the introduction of foods not tested by local regulatory agencies.

Mwangi says Kenya risks the danger of having crops developed using genetic use restriction technology (gurt) where seeds once grown commit suicide and are unable to germinate into a new crop. 

This, he argues, will create a dependency on buying of fresh seeds every planting cycle, making Kenya a food colony of foreign countries and multinational companies.

On Tuesday, Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka protested the decision to lift the ban on GMO foods, saying they will expose Kenyans to adverse health effects.

"Juzi wameleta GMO ati ili kuzidisha idadi ya chakula katika nchi yetu. It is not a new thing in the world; nchi nyingi za Ulaya zimekataa (GMOs). Ujerumani, Uholanzi, Italiano, Sweden, Ufaransa zimekataa ilhali ni nchi ambazo zimeendelea sana kisayansi. Zimekataa kwa sababau wanajua itadhuru maisha ya watu wao," Raila told reporters at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi.

Kalonzo said, “The long-term effects of GMO out weight the short-term gains if indeed there are any. Kenya lacks adequate capacity to test GMO traits and the impact it has on health.”

The move to lift the 10-year ban on GMO foods was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Ruto on October 3rd following recommendations of the Task Force formed to Review Matters Relating to Genetically Modified Foods and Food Safety.