Moses Kuria's woes deepen as Catholic church demands apology over controversial GMO remarks

This comes after CS Kuria 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 Kenya 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 at a past address.

"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."

Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria has expressed his dejection over Kuria's sentiments, saying that it is inappropriate for a Cabinet minister to callously talk about death or even gamble with people's lives.

"We feel that it was distasteful and disrespectful to Kenyans to joke about life and death and even if it is an issue to be taken as a joke it will be wrong to bring about statement whereby we trivialize death, suffering and insecurity," he said while addressing the media on Monday. 

"We feel, irrespective of the matter in consideration we would request that Kenyans deserve respect and not spite, and in this matter, they deserve an apology."

He further urged the government to reverse its decision on GMOs and engage in a robust debate on the matter.

"When we speak about GMOs, it is a serious matter that deserves discussion, deep and sober engagement," he said.

The latter comes in the wake of backlash from the public against CS Kuria over his sentiments with most Kenyans likewise demanding an apology.

Raila Odinga also chided the CS accusing him of lacking scientific literacy and using power to demean Kenyans.

"As a party, we believe the matter of GMO foods in our country is too serious to be reduced to a cruel and juvenile joke. We call upon Mr. Kuria and the UDA regime to apologize to the Kenyan people," said Raila.

"Officials who lack scientific literacy on such serious matters must never use their office to demean the Kenyan people as though we are a helpless, enslaved lot."