President Ruto: I Have Been Consuming GMOs and I Have Not Grown Breasts
President Ruto has defended the government’s plan to import genetically modified foods (GMO), insisting that they are safe and cause no harm to humans.
Accusing some political leaders of inciting Kenyans to resist genetically modified foods, Ruto cited countries like the United States and South Africa that consume 100 percent GMO foods.
Speaking at a roundtable with journalists on Wednesday, the president pointed out that all food imported into the country has less than one percent GMO content as directed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Ruto also noted that he has personally consumed GMO food and has never “grown breasts” as claimed by those against genetically modified foods.
“Some leaders have been going round saying all manner of things, including lies that men will grow breasts and women beards if they consume GMOs,” he said.
“As the President of this country, I cannot endanger the lives of the same people who voted for me. I am a scientist myself and all the scientists in this country have said GMO is not dangerous. Scientists in America and South Africa have also concluded on this GMO matter. People there eat GMO and nothing has happened to them,” he added.
“The whole of South Africa and the US is 100% GMO. Have you heard any complications? I have eaten GMO food. Have you seen me grow breasts?”
Ruto further clarified that the importation of GMO food is temporary as his government is keen on empowering farmers to ensure they are able to produce enough food for consumption by all Kenyans.
“This GMO debate is just mere propaganda brought about by people who do not want us to be food secure. We must tell each other the truth and stop bad politicking. My wish is to eradicate these problems that we have experienced since independence. We need to stop this one and for all. We cannot have people sleeping hungry 60 years after independence,” Ruto said.
The government lifted a 10-year ban on the cultivation and importation of genetically modified crops in October last year. In a press release, the Cabinet said that the decision was guided by recommendations of a task force on genetically modified foods and food safety and guidelines of the National Biosafety Authority.