'Stop making unhelpful comments,' Governor Sang tells CS Kuria over GMO remarks

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has urged Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria to refrain from making contentious remarks in regard to the State's decision to lift the ban on the importation and planting of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Speaking in Kapsabet on Thursday, the second-term Governor noted that CS Kuria's remarks have painted President William Ruto's administration in bad light and that Kenyans will lose confidence in the current regime if he continues on the same path. 

Sang, who is also the Council of Governors’ (CoG) Chief Whip, added that Kuria should instead consult with relevant agriculture stakeholders before making any more eye-raising remarks.

“We’re now asking the minister, that campaigns is over, you’re now the minister in charge. There is a manner and a way that a minister should be able to address issues. We’re asking Moses Kuria, you’re doing a good job, but can you step down from the social media and come and start working with sectors and farmers and groups so that those wonderful programs that you have in your ministry can have a good grounding as we work towards moving our nation forward,” he said.

“We no longer have anybody else to blame, we’re the government now, and therefore please, let us desist from engaging in statements that may not be helpful, that may create misconceptions and set the government against its people.”

Kuria sparked controversy on November 17, 2022 after audaciously admitting that GMO foods can actually lead to death.

The CS publicly stated that the 10 million duty-free GMO maize he allowed to be imported can be added to the list of causes of death in Kenya since the country is a hotbed of death anyway. 

"We have so many things that can kill us in the country. Being in this country, you are a candidate for death," he said then.

"And because so many things compete for death, there is nothing wrong with adding GMOs to that list. That is why we have deliberately allowed GMO until we are satisfied that we have enough maize, the staple food."

Kuria's comments drew ire from Kenyans on social media with many castigating the Trade CS' remarks and demanding that he apologise.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops likewise urged Kuria to tender an apology on the same.