Kalonzo alleges State of plan to use gene-editing jabs on livestock

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka addresses a press briefing at SKM Centre in Nairobi, on November 15, 2024.[Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] 

Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka Friday claimed that the government is planning to vaccinate 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep with gene-modifying drugs. However, the government swiftly dismissed the claims, labelling them as conspiracy theories.

According to the Wiper Party leader, the government’s intention is to make the livestock “cease emitting methane gas into the atmosphere,” with the programme being marketed as part of the government’s environmental protection efforts.

Addressing the press at his SKM Command Centre, Kalonzo described the proposed vaccination as having “all the markings of a sinister foreign agenda.”

He stated that it would not bode well for the country’s pastoralist communities or for Kenya as a whole, claiming that the programme had the full support of international research institutions.

“Animals release gas into the atmosphere as part of the normal biological process of digestion. Those behind this plan claim that the natural release of intestinal gas, a result of normal feeding and flatulence, is hazardous to the environment. They argue that biogas, which is used for various residential purposes around the world, contributes to harmful climate change. As a result, our animals are expected to receive injections that will prevent them from releasing digestive gases into the atmosphere indefinitely,” he said.

Kalonzo alleged that the people behind the plan do not conduct similar vaccination programmes in their own countries, where, according to him, there are significantly more animals than in Kenya, making them greater contributors to “harmful climate change.”

“We reject these experiments. Let everyone know that we will resist them until the end. We ask Kenyans to join us in opposing the proposed vaccinations, which clearly harm our animals and endanger our people,” he said.

He claimed that he had been informed that the vaccines would alter the genetic structure of the livestock, particularly after one or two generations.

“These issues include, but are not limited to, the birth of animals with severe biological malformations as a result of genetic manipulation. There will also be difficulty in reproduction, and some of these negative side effects will eventually pass to human populations via the consumption of contaminated animal products,” Kalonzo said.

He accused President William Ruto of hatching a plan to reduce the country to “a testing ground for deadly experiments,” stating that it was the government’s duty to protect the interests and well-being of its citizens.

“We also wish to point out that the vaccination exercise is only the harbinger of more sinister things to follow. The ultimate plan is to eradicate farm animal production entirely. They will end the production of beef and other bovine meats in this country.”

Calling on Kenyans to oppose the move, Kalonzo stressed that pastoralists and other livestock owners had a responsibility to preserve their animals and livelihoods.

“Our food sovereignty and security are not up for compromise. The health of our animals and people is equally important. Every Kenyan, therefore, has a responsibility to aggressively oppose this cruel objective,” he said.

However, government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura ,said Kalonzo was misleading farmers.

According to Mwaura, the vaccination programme is aimed at combating foot and mouth disease in cows and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in goats and sheep.

“The national vaccination policy is designed to ensure food safety and facilitate international trade, as many countries now require proof that meat comes from vaccinated animals before allowing imports. Kenya is currently banned from exporting meat to Qatar because of foot and mouth disease,” Mwaura said.

A director at the Kenya Veterinary Board, Oreste Kuria, explained that although veterinary services are a devolved function, counties have struggled to manage trans-border diseases. “These trans-border diseases include foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, and PPR,” Kuria said.