Deputy President William Ruto has bowed to public pressure and apologized to the Democratic Republic of Congo over remarks he made about the country at a campaign rally.
Through a press statement seen by Kivumbi.co.ke on Wednesday evening, February 16, the deputy president regrated that his statement which was informal in nature has generated a lot of misunderstanding.
“My speech was informal, and my use of certain effects was purely to underscore the magnitude of the opportunity and urgency of the moment to a local audience. It was not intended to be disrespectful in any way,” Ruto said.
“I regret any misunderstanding that may have arisen on account of my speech, I take this opportunity to assure the government and people of DRC of my profound admiration and high regards,” he added.
On the other hand, the deputy president retaliated his promise to champion for the economic empowerment of the ordinary Kenyans saying he will continue to illustrate to Kenyan farmers the market linkage opportunities globally.
The apology by the second in command comes after his remarks that DRC does not have cows had triggered reactions within the Congo business community and general republic.
DRC senator Francine Muyumba Nkanga called on the deputy president to apologise to the people of DR Congo saying Ruto’s remarks were undiplomatic.
“(Deputy President) President William Ruto, this is really unacceptable, with all due respect there is a need to withdraw this statement If DRC did not have a single cow how could Kenya sign economic deals with DRC, Equity Bank is currently making money in Congo, this is an insult,” Muyumba tweeted.
ODM leader Raila Odinga had also weighed on the matter, castigating DP Ruto by terming his remarks reckless and calling him to apologise.
“Ruto’s attack on DRC is a manifestation of a reckless lack of vision and foresight; a pathetic failure to see where opportunities abound for Kenya, DRC produces,” Raila said.
