NAIROBI, Kenya – Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has raised the alarm over a planned livestock vaccination program announced by President William Ruto, warning of potential health risks to both animals and humans.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Friday, Kalonzo claimed the initiative, set to begin in January 2025, harbors a “sinister foreign agenda” that could have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s pastoral communities.
“The proposed vaccination project has all the markings of a foreign experiment. It is reckless and dangerous, not only to our livestock but also to our people,” Kalonzo asserted.
President Ruto had unveiled the program during the Maa Cultural Festival in Samburu County on November 8, stating that the initiative aims to vaccinate 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep.
The government has allocated Ksh1 billion for restocking livestock lost during recent droughts, with the vaccination drive designed to bolster animal health and improve market access for livestock products both locally and internationally.
“This will ensure we access both national and international markets for our livestock products,” Ruto said during the event.
Kalonzo, however, contended that the vaccinations are designed to introduce gene-modifying agents to livestock under the guise of reducing methane emissions, a purported measure to combat climate change.
He further claimed the vaccines had been rejected in other countries, including the United States, due to safety concerns.
“The plan seeks to introduce gene-modifying drugs into our cattle, ostensibly to reduce methane emissions. These drugs have been rejected elsewhere and should not find their way to Kenya,” Kalonzo said.
The opposition leader warned of severe side effects, including reduced reproductive viability in vaccinated animals and deformities in calves born to treated livestock.
He also raised concerns about potential health risks to humans through the consumption of meat or milk from vaccinated animals.
“Do not let anyone near your cattle under the pretense of vaccination,” Kalonzo urged. “This is an irresponsible and risky move that could harm our economy and health.”
As head of the substantive opposition, Kalonzo vowed to challenge the initiative through all legally sanctioned means, citing the potential long-term damage to Kenya’s agricultural sector and public health.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Friday, Kalonzo claimed the initiative, set to begin in January 2025, harbors a “sinister foreign agenda” that could have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s pastoral communities.
“The proposed vaccination project has all the markings of a foreign experiment. It is reckless and dangerous, not only to our livestock but also to our people,” Kalonzo asserted.
President Ruto had unveiled the program during the Maa Cultural Festival in Samburu County on November 8, stating that the initiative aims to vaccinate 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep.
The government has allocated Ksh1 billion for restocking livestock lost during recent droughts, with the vaccination drive designed to bolster animal health and improve market access for livestock products both locally and internationally.
“This will ensure we access both national and international markets for our livestock products,” Ruto said during the event.
Kalonzo, however, contended that the vaccinations are designed to introduce gene-modifying agents to livestock under the guise of reducing methane emissions, a purported measure to combat climate change.
He further claimed the vaccines had been rejected in other countries, including the United States, due to safety concerns.
“The plan seeks to introduce gene-modifying drugs into our cattle, ostensibly to reduce methane emissions. These drugs have been rejected elsewhere and should not find their way to Kenya,” Kalonzo said.
The opposition leader warned of severe side effects, including reduced reproductive viability in vaccinated animals and deformities in calves born to treated livestock.
He also raised concerns about potential health risks to humans through the consumption of meat or milk from vaccinated animals.
“Do not let anyone near your cattle under the pretense of vaccination,” Kalonzo urged. “This is an irresponsible and risky move that could harm our economy and health.”
As head of the substantive opposition, Kalonzo vowed to challenge the initiative through all legally sanctioned means, citing the potential long-term damage to Kenya’s agricultural sector and public health.
