Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly opposed the government’s ambitious plan to vaccinate over 22 million livestock across Kenya, warning that it could lead to irreversible genetic alterations in animals and potential risks to human health. The program, which is being rolled out as part of the government’s environmental protection initiative, is slated to begin in the coming months.
In a press statement issued on Friday, Kalonzo accused President William Ruto’s administration of pushing a “sinister foreign agenda” that could ultimately harm the health of both livestock and the broader Kenyan population. He expressed concern that the vaccines being introduced would alter the genetic structure of cattle, potentially leading to a drastic change in how these animals behave, reproduce, and interact with their environment.
“This plan is deeply concerning, especially to pastoralist communities who depend on livestock for their livelihood. It is being marketed as a tool for environmental protection, but it reeks of a foreign agenda with little regard for the well-being of Kenyans,” Kalonzo stated.
One of the central claims in Kalonzo’s criticism is the assertion that the vaccines would cause livestock to stop emitting methane gas, a natural byproduct of their digestive process. The government has cited methane reduction as a key reason for the program, linking it to efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, Kalonzo dismissed this explanation, calling it unfounded and misleading.
“Scientists have informed us that these vaccines will alter the genetic makeup of our animals. Within just one or two generations about 36 months Kenya’s livestock could face severe biological malformations due to this genetic manipulation,” Kalonzo claimed. “We are being misled into believing that livestock methane is a major environmental hazard when, in fact, animal waste has been safely used in biogas production for years without significant environmental harm.”
The opposition leader questioned the motives behind the vaccination program, particularly the involvement of international researchers and pharmaceutical companies. He pointed out that similar vaccines have been rejected in other countries, including the United States, where the livestock industry is much larger and contributes significantly to global methane emissions.
“Why are they pushing this program on Kenya when these same researchers have not implemented it in their own countries? Why does Kenya always have to be the testing ground for these foreign initiatives?” he asked.
Kalonzo’s concerns extend beyond the vaccination itself. He warned that the program could be the first step towards a much broader transformation of Kenya’s agricultural system, one that could replace traditional livestock farming with synthetic meat alternatives and genetically modified foods. This, he argued, would have profound consequences for Kenya’s food security, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
“This is just the beginning of a much larger scheme to phase out traditional livestock farming,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to replace natural meat production with industrially generated synthetic meat. If we allow this vaccination to go through, we will soon see the introduction of genetically modified foods, and our natural food sources could be under threat.”
Kalonzo has called on all Kenyan citizens to reject the vaccination plan, urging pastoralists and farmers to stand firm in protecting their livelihoods. He further emphasized that there would be no forced vaccinations in the country and urged Kenyans not to allow foreign interventions to dictate their farming practices.
“This plan is reckless and must be stopped. A responsible government should prioritize the health and welfare of its citizens. We must resist these experiments on our animals and our food supply,” Kalonzo declared. “Kenyans must unite to reject this dangerous and unpopular government policy.”
The government has yet to respond to Kalonzo’s accusations, but the opposition leader’s statement has sparked widespread debate and concern, especially among rural communities who are directly affected by the vaccination program. The controversy surrounding the cattle vaccination plan highlights the broader tensions between environmental initiatives and the interests of local communities in Kenya’s agricultural sector. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its approach or push ahead with the controversial plan.
