Gov’t Issues a Statement After Ruto's 'No Cow' Remarks Spark Outrage in DRC

The government has issued a statement reassuring the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of a respectful relationship.

This comes after Deputy President William Ruto’s recent remarks on DRC’s dairy sector sparked outrage in the Central Africa nation, with journalists, politicians, activists, and the general public describing the comments as disparaging.

Ruto while addressing a group of business owners in Nyeri on Monday pledged to ensure milk farmers sell their produce in DRC, where he claimed there are no cows despite the country’s huge population.

“The DRC has 90 million people but do not have a single cow,” Ruto was quoted as saying.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kenya’s ambassador to DRC George Masafu acknowledged that Ruto’s sentiments have been poorly received among the nation’s business circles and citizens.

“The Embassy has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi on the negative reactions that the comments have triggered among the business community and general populace in the DRC,” Masafu said in a statement.

Masafu said Ruto’s remarks are personal and should not be interpreted as Kenya’s, adding that Kenya and DRC have maintained strong bilateral relationships over the years. 

“Kenya is confident that these relations will be entrenched through government-to-government frameworks and people-to-people partnerships that have been built in the last years,” he said.

The ambassador also expressed Kenya’s commitment to continue engaging and building strong trade partnerships with DRC.

DRC Senator Amb. Francine Muyumba on Tuesday described the deputy president’s sentiments as insulting and urged him to withdraw and apologize.