Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria has asked Trade and Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria to apologise over his remarks on the importation of genetically modified foods (GMO).
Bishop Muheria termed Mr Kuria's remarks as unfortunate and disrespectful.
"It was distasteful and disrespectful to Kenyans to joke about life and death. We take exception to how the CS made trivialised statements about the importation of GMOs into the country," he said on Sunday at the Nyeri Cathedral.
Last week, Kuria said there is nothing wrong with adding GMO foods to the list of things that kill Kenyans.
"Being in this country, you are a candidate for death and because there are many things competing for death in this country, there is nothing wrong with adding GMOs to that list. That is why we have deliberately decided to allow GMOs in this country until we are satisfied that we have enough maize in this country," he said.
Muheria said it is wrong to triviliase serious matters such as GMO and the CS should apologise to Kenyans.
"The lives of people are at stake. It is unacceptable to gamble with the lives of Kenyans by ignoring their concerns on the issue," said the cleric.
"This issue of GMOs is a discussion that deserves deep and fair engagement with scientists and Kenyans so that we can understand the implications."
He warned the government against taking Kenyans for granted by making jokes about the issue of GMO foods.
Instead, the government must give Kenyans a chance to engage and understand the issues, he said.
He called for a multisectoral approach to the possibility of importing GMO foods.
"This matter should be addressed through agricultural research and should be guided by science as opposed to politics.
"Let us keep politics out of such serious discussions. We know the government is taking this route in an effort to offer momentary relief. But we should discuss what ails Kenyans. We need to engage and speak soberly," he said.
Muheria said the government needs to look for a solution to the problem of food insecurity.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has also called on Kuria to apologise over his remarks.
