A new study by the Alliance Science accused Azimio Leader Raila Odinga and Roots party leader George Wajackoya of leading in misinforming citizens about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
The US firm conducted the study research between October 2022 and January 2024.
According to the research, the rate of misinformation about GMOs in Africa was at 20 per cent. However, Kenya recorded a higher percentage of misinformation by 20 per cent, hitting a percentage of 40.
“Prominent offenders were opposition leader Raila Odinga, who made many false statements alleging the negative health impacts of GMOs, and Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah, who claimed that GMOs would make men and women develop deformities,” read part of the report.
Alliance for Science Director, Sheila Ochugboju, stated that the fake news on GMOs was extremely concerning.
She argued that it would be difficult for Kenyan citizens to make informed decisions about GMOs with opinion leaders propagating misinformation.
“Let us be clear. Scientists worldwide have assessed GMOs, and have reached a strong consensus that new techniques for breeding crops, such as genetic modification, are no riskier than older approaches.
“Thus, claims about the negative health effects of GMOs are 100 per cent false and must be reported as such in the media,” she urged.
The organization added that fake news was not unique to Africa. Its previous research found that then-US President Donald Trump was the biggest source of Covid-19 misinformation. US media outlets, it reported, repeated his unfounded claims without sufficient expert context or rebuttal.
Meanwhile, in November 2022, Raila criticized the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for subjecting Kenyans to unproven and dangerous foods.
He argued that the move was only to please the international community’s interests that allegedly do not care about the safety of the citizens.
“We consider the decision to lift the ban on GMO foods and their importation a betrayal to our country. On this, the Ruto administration is not working for Kenya,” Raila added.
On the other hand, Wackakoyah emphasized that modified food products will result in Kenyan men and women developing deformities.
On October 2022, the President lifted a 10-year ban on GMO crops, officially allowing the importation of the same into the country to address the current food shortage caused by drought.
Ruto also dismissed the claims adding that he was a scientist and ate GMO food products.
“I am a scientist and all scientists and universities in Kenya agree that GMOs have no issue. I would not endanger the lives of those who elected me,” Ruto added.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE