MPs demand immediate cessation of maize importation

The MPs from the North Rift region, led by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei want the importation halted to allow maize being harvested by farmers to be mopped up by government.

The more than 20 legislators claim importation will significantly lower the prices of maize in the country, dealing a huge blow to farmers who laboured in their farms despite the high cost of production.

“We demand for an immediate cessation of importation of 10 million bags of maize in the country considering that there is no gazette notice to that effect, we are aware there was no cabinet approval on the importation of duty free maize in the country,” Cherargei said.

Cherargei termed maize importation as a deliberate move to kill maize farming in the country. 

“It seems that the cartels are now back in the business and this time they appear more aggressive, more ruthless in this season. Even on the GMO issue we don’t need to rush until we have proper laws, policies, rules, and regulations to govern the use and importation of GMOs in the country,” he added.

The MPs also pointed a finger at Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria over the plans to import maize illegally. 

Pokot South MP David Pkosing threatened to start an impeachment process against Kuria if he did not stop the importation of GMO maize.

“I want to tell Kuria, he will be the first CS to leave the office, he could leave before Christmas if he doesn’t change, I will start collecting signatures from tomorrow, and we will impeach him, he is not above the law,” Pkosing said. 

He also warned Kenya National Trade Cooperation against being used in the importation of maize, if it will be done illegally.

Additionally, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa cautioned Kuria against his utterances, asking him to consider the plight of Kenyans even as he pushes to import maize and especially GMO maize.

“Kuria is not Gatundu South MP anymore, he is a CS, he should stop giving reckless statements, those statements can only come from someone coming from a bar, not a CS, and we are saying no to GMO, and no to maize importation, we have enough maize in Kenya,” Barasa said.

The MPs lamentations come amid reports that a ship has already docked in Mombasa with 10 million tonnes of maize.