Catholic church to study effects of GMO food

The Catholic Church says it is studying the effects of food produced through biotechnology innovation commonly known as GMOs and will not hesitate to protest against anything that may be harmful to humans.

The Archbishop of Nairobi Metropolitan Archdiocese Philip Anyolo says the church will conduct thorough studies on the effects of the crops that have been prohibited in Kenya since 2012 before making their stand known to the public.

“The Catholic Church is always against anything that is dangerous for human consumption, but we will give our stand on GMOs after thorough studies,” he said.

Relief food

At the same time, the clergyman made an appeal for urgent food relief to hunger-stricken regions and added that his church has commenced supplies to the most drought-affected counties.

Speaking after consecrating the newly refurbished St Francis of Assisi Ruiru Catholic Church in Kiambu County, Rev Anyolo sent out an appeal to organizations and individuals to respond to the hunger crisis facing the country.

He singled out Marsabit, Kitui, Garissa, Samburu, Kajiado Wajir and Turkana as some of the most drought and famine-ravaged areas that the church has begun sending donations and urged Kenyans to embrace the spirit of sharing even clothing and water to the deserving.

His sentiments were echoed by Ruiru MP Simon King’ara who regretted that the delayed rainfall has deteriorated the economic situation in the country with most Kenyans now facing starvation.

In Ruiru alone where most people rely on hand-to-mouth earnings from factories, King’ara revealed that between 25-30 per cent of his constituents were harshly affected by the prolonged drought as most of them were sacked during the Covid-19 period and no longer have alternative sources of income.

Through the King’ara Foundation, the MP started distribution of relief food through the churches to the neediest cases even as he urged well-wishers to chip in.

“I am also asking the government to increase funds allocated to the Agriculture Ministry through the National Cereals and Produce Board to enhance storage of food during bumper harvests for use by households undergoing devastated economic realities,” he stated.

Failed or insufficient rains in consecutive seasons have occasioned the driest condition in most parts of the country forcing Kenyans to struggle with food insecurity.

On the GMO foods issue, Kenyans are divided in opinion with some lobby groups warning that the products are harmful and may cause cancer.