Government officials have raised alarms over the unethical use of harmful chemicals on food products, highlighting its potential role in the surge of cancer cases across Kenya.
During a burial service in Limuru, Kiambu County, on August 11, 2026, Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe from the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, alongside Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization Chairperson Rahab Muiu, urged farmers and traders to ensure their products are free from dangerous pesticides before reaching consumers.
The event commemorated Isabella Muroki, a community worker and sister to Mrs. Muiu, who succumbed to cancer after a prolonged battle. The funeral was attended by notable figures including former Gachoka MP and cleric Mutava Musyimi and area MP Peter Kiragu.
Call for Healthy Lifestyles and Ethical Practices
PS Wang’ombe emphasized adopting healthy eating habits and avoiding lifestyles linked to cancer, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and ingesting contaminated food or meat.
“We must not only encourage early cancer screening but also eliminate foods that accelerate the disease,” she stated.
Echoing this, Muiu highlighted the importance of integrity among traders and farmers. She referenced vaccination waiting periods for livestock as an example of health protocols that must be respected to protect consumers.
“Are we all observing these health implications? This is an issue of integrity,” she said, urging government agencies to enforce regulations on pesticide use strictly.
Addressing Broader Societal Issues
Both leaders also condemned gender-based violence (GBV), linking it to untimely deaths and societal harm. They called for collective action to report and prevent GBV, emphasizing collaboration between government departments, the judiciary, and security agencies to tackle the problem.
