Have you seen me grow breasts yet I have consumed GMO’s? Ruto chides Kenyans

President William Ruto has defended his government’s plan to import Genetically Modified Foods , saying it’s safe and causes no harm to humans.



Citing countries like the USA, South Africa and others that consume 100 per cent GMO foods, the president wondered why politicians are inciting Kenyans against the 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, and posed, “have you seen me grow breats yet I have consumed GMO foods.”



Ruto said, there is nothing wrong with Kenya importing GMOs because “after all food imports currently contain less than 1 per cent of GMO.”



He reminded Kenyans that he is a scientist, and cannot put the lives of Kenyans at risk.



“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,” President Ruto said.



The Head of State said the importation will only be 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.



He further rubbished claims that GMOs affect physical appearances in both men and women saying those are just farfetched myths.



The government earlier in October repealed the country’s 2012-era prohibition on the importation and growing of genetically modified organism (GMO) crops and animal feeds following a cabinet meeting chaired by President Ruto.



The action was intended to lessen the national food scarcity in light of the country’s present drought condition.



Consequently, the Cabinet also approved the cultivation and importation of White GMO maize.



Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has already announced that Maize millers and traders will have six months – between February and August to import 900,000 tonnes of white maize into the country.



The government expects that duty-free imports will play part in reducing the cost of maize flour a staple food across many Kenyan households which has risen sharply following poor rains over the last two years, resulting in a two-kilogramme packet going for Sh210 up from about Sh120 previously.



While the move is aimed at reducing the cost of essential foods, especially ugali, the government has been criticized for opening up the duty-free importation to all stakeholders including traders.



Capital News