Ruto Bows to Pressure, Apologizes over 'No Cows' in DRC Remarks

Ruto Bows to Pressure, Apologizes over 'No Cows' in DRC Remarks

Deputy President William Ruto has withdrawn his controversial remarks about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) dairy sector.

Ruto came under fire after claiming that the mineral-rich Central African country has no cows despite its huge population of 90 million, hence his government would help Kenyan milk farmers to sell their produce there if elected president on August 9th.

"...Na tuko na soko kuanzia hapa DRC hao wako na 90 million people na hawana hata ng’ombe moja," Ruto was quoted as saying on Monday.

His remarks sparked outrage in the DRC, with the country’s citizens accusing the Kenyan deputy president of disrespecting them.

But in a statement, Ruto said his speech was taken out of context, saying his intention was to reach out to local residents in Nyeri.

“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 be disrespectful in any way,” reads the statement by Ruto’s presidential campaign Communications Director Hussein Mohammed.

“I regret any misunderstanding that may have arisen on account of my speech, and take this opportunity to assure the government and people of the DRC of my profound admiration and high regard.”

 
 

Comments

Asista (not verified)     Thu, 02/17/2022 @ 11:34pm

In reply to by Go crypto (not verified)

Truly cow diplomacy. This ambassador played petty politics with this vow thing .Instead of employing diplomatic approach, went high pitch public. To make even worse is the Kenyan counterparts who also went to press to address a diplomatic issue. It was meant to demean or attack Ruto on official and personal level.

Ineo (not verified)     Fri, 02/18/2022 @ 05:14am

Apologizing for what?

Ruto is 100% correct in his PhD lingo.

Sorry; it does not count in politics.

He was not literal! He used a figure of speech that diminuted those ready down and low.

Afford Ruto some flak..flag..flack
...

This is it!

soldieron (not verified)     Fri, 02/18/2022 @ 11:19am

Lack of maturity. Thinks everything is competition. Their once was a man by the name Peter Okondo. His tongue was long. He was a labour minister in Moi's government. What did he say to Alexander Muge about visiting Busia and not leaving...Imara uko wapi na historia muhimu?

Mbwana (not verified)     Sat, 02/19/2022 @ 02:00am

Here's the chemistry of Ruto

1. He's a real a life hustler by nature since teenage. He's really intention are usual how to bring more prosperity.

2. A leader by choice - Vice President through opportunism

3. Educated - on-line PhD while working 12 hours a day across the country

4. Agriculture Capitalist - huge investments in Kenya and now eying cattle husbandry in DRC (He meant to advice his supporters to think about a newly business opportunity that DRC has recently joined the EAC)

5 Hustlers - these go-getters can also be :-
Leader
Thief
Politician
Philanthropist
Saddest
etc

maxiley (not verified)     Sat, 02/19/2022 @ 03:11am

Those who are "forcing" Ruto to apologize should know that forced apology is not sincerely. He should have done it on his own volition if he thought that he had offended the Congolese...

Imara Daima (not verified)     Mon, 02/21/2022 @ 05:20am

Ni muhimu kujivunia asili yetu kwa kuacha kuigaiga imani, lugha, historia, na majina yasiyo yetu. Ni muhimu pia kujivunia rangi ya ngozi yetu, nywele zetu, ili tujiheshimu kwanza kabla kuheshimiwa na watu wengine wasio wa asili ya bara letu.

Ni afadhali tujenge shule zetu nzuri, hospitali zetu nzuri ili wagonjwa wetu wasiende nje ya bara letu kupata matibabu. Ndugu yetu Mjumbe wa Bunge wa Gatundu ya Kusini alikwenda Dubai kupata matibabu yake kwa muga wa siku nyingina kurudi Kenya wiki iliyopita. Je, yeye alijilipia gharama ya matibabu haya au alilipiwa na serikali?

Ni bora tujenge viwanda vyetu ili vijana wanaomaliza masomo yao wapate ajira. Pia, ni mihimu wanafunzi wetu wa masomo ya MELTAS waanze kuunda vifaa vya kilimo, afya, kusafiria alama pikipiki, bodaboda, mabasi, treni na kadhalika.

Ni lazima kutilia mkazo masomo ya MELTAS (mathematics, engineering, languages, technology, agriculture, sciences) ili tuweze kujitengenezea dawa zetu na pia kuzalisha chakula cha kutosha kwa mahitaji nchini na pia chakula cha kuuza kwenye masoko ya nje.

Hayati Rais Kambarage Borito Nyerere alisema: "It can be done, play your part."

Hebu msikie Vladimir Putin anavyofikia juu ya viongozi na matajiri wa bara letu.

https://youtu.be/cCuN-a8buXk

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