Deputy President William Ruto has bowed down to pressure and apologised over his remarks that Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) rears no cow.
Through a statement released by his Communication Director, Hussein Mohamed said he regrets the misunderstanding his remarks caused.
“I regret any misunderstanding that may have arisen on account of my speech and take this opportunity to assure the government and the people of DRC of my profound admiration and high regard,” the DP said.
Ruto said that his remarks were on a light note to emphasize how the DRC market is big for Kenyan dairy farmers to exploit.
“My speech was informal, and my use of certain effects was purely to underscore the magnitude of the opportunity and the urgency of the moment to a local audience. It was not intended to disrespect in any way,” he added.
He also noted the existence of a larger market “providing opportunities for mutual advantage for our region’s countries.”
He went on to say that leaders in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) are leading the charge in urging Kenyans to take advantage of all new opportunities and use regional integration to trade commodities, services, talents, and technologies.
“In keeping with his vow to advocate the economic development of ordinary Kenyans, Deputy President William Ruto has demonstrated to Kenyan farmers the global market connection prospects,” the statement read.
His apology comes after rising pressure from a group of leaders, DRC residents and politicians, including Raila Odinga, his major opponent in the August presidential election who said he must atone.
He made the remarks while speaking to micro, small and medium enterprise owners in Nyeri County on ways to augment the country’s agricultural sector.
“We have markets, starting here in DRC where they have 90 million people but they don’t have a single cow. (Na tuko na soko kuanzia hapa DRC hao wako na 90 milion people na hawana hata ngombe moja).” He said.
Kenya’s ambassador to the DRC Dr George Masafu, yesterday said there have been “negative reactions” to remarks by DP Ruto about his host country’s lack of cows.
The envoy however, said there is no broken “respect” between the two countries in the wake of comments by Ruto, which were seen in Kinshasa as disparaging.
He reiterated that the Government and the people of Kenya share a deep and respectful historical relationship with the Government and people of the DRC and the remarks by the DP is unfortunate and personal.
“The Kenyan Embassy wishes to reiterate that the government and the people share a deep and respectful; historical relationship with the government and the people of DRC. This relationship stretches back to the independence of our respective countries,” the statement said.
