On Monday, April 24, 2023, the High Court will hear and determine whether petitions contesting the government’s intention to authorize the importation and distribution of genetically modified organisms will be heard by a three-judge bench.
High Court Judge Hedwig Ong’undi had ordered the petitioner-Kenyan Peasants League-to file replies and submissions to the AG’s application by March 31.
Justice Mugure Thande was supposed to hear the case today was seized of the matter.
On February 14, Attorney General Justin Muturi filed an application for the appointment of an expanded bench, stating that the problems stated by the petitioners, lawyer Paul Mwangi and the Kenyan Peasants League, were serious and required an extended bench.
Lawyer Paul Mwangi, in his petition, claims the lifting of the ban derogates the right of the people of Kenya to fair administrative action.
“The same is unlawful and procedurally unfair for the failure of the Cabinet to conduct public participation before removal of all regulatory protocols governing the introduction and use of GMOs and crops,” Mwangi said.
He claims that Kenya has made significant advances in biotechnology research, resulting in the production of food crops that mature in record time with double production.
