ODM party leader Raila Odinga has issued a statement following Deputy President William Ruto's remarks on the availability of livestock in the Central African nation.
Speaking in Nyeri, the DP encouraged residents to concentrate on milk production due to its readily available market in Congo, noting that they did not have a single cow in their country forcing the government to import milk from abroad.
"Tuko na soko kuanzia hapa DRC, hawa watu wako 90 million na hawana hata ng'ombe moja. Hao watu ni kuimba tu, kama Kanda Bongo Man," DP Ruto said.
The remarks sparked outrage on social media threatening the diplomatic relationship between Kenya and Congo.
Among leaders who have called out DP Ruto for his remarks include Raila who regretted the same, noting that he was disturbed by the utterances terming them a reckless manifestation of vision and foresight.
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"I have been very disturbed and deeply disappointed by utterances of William Ruto that poured scorn on an otherwise friendly and enterprising nation that also holds Kenya in high esteem
"The attack by the DP was unwarranted and very short-sighted. The DP must own up and apologize to the government and the people of the Democratic Republic of Kenya," stated Raila.
At the same time, the Kenyan ambassador to Congo George Masafu has assured the Congolese nation of a respectful relationship in the wake of the angry reactions the DP's remarks caused.
"The Kenya Embassy wishes to reiterate that the people of Kenya share a deep and respectful historical relationship with the government and people of DRC," ambassador Masafu said.
"Kenya is confident that these relations will be entrenched through government to government frameworks and people to people partnerships that have built in the past."
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