Greenpeace Africa & Samuel Wathome fighting against government

Last Friday, Samuel had to appear in court again.

Samuel Wathome is one of the Kenyan smallholder farmers who, in a landmark case, challenged restrictions on access to native seeds in Kenya. In the Supreme Court's 2025 ruling, he and 14 others challenged parts of the law that restricted farmers' access to native seeds. The court declared these restrictions unconstitutional. Wathome became a symbol in Kenya's fight for seed sovereignty, as the case linked farmers' rights, climate resilience, and indigenous knowledge. Reports about the case indicate that he grows native varieties that appear to be more drought-resistant in arid conditions than certified commercial seeds. Smallholder farmers often rely on informal, self-managed seed systems. Over 78% of the seeds for all food crops grown in Kenya come from these informal systems. President Ruto must change the restrictive seed laws that prevent smallholder farmers from sharing, selling, and exchanging native seeds. The government must support farmers with access to water during droughts to ensure sufficient food production—not the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). On the occasion of World Food Day, we urge President Ruto to immediately reinstate the ban on GMOs, support farmer-managed seed systems, and focus the country's resources on finding long-term, sustainable solutions to the problems affecting food security and agricultural productivity in Kenya.

The case title in the Kenyan ruling is: "Samuel Wathome and 14 others v. Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service and one other party." Media reports also refer to him as the primary plaintiff in the legal battle. Yesterday, the legal battle began over the rights he fought for for four years and won last year. Now, an appeal is being filed against his rights. This appeal is not only a threat to Kenyan farmers, but a direct attack on our food systems. Should the state win, large corporations would regain control over every seed, every grain, and every harvest that grows on our land. We cannot allow them to rob farmers of their freedom. Greenpeace Africa stands in solidarity with Samuel and other small-scale farmers in their fight against this appeal. However, such a legal battle urgently requires reliable funding. Can you support us today with a monthly donation so that we can continue this fight in the long term? @Greenpeace Africa