ODM leader Raila Odinga has asked Deputy President William Ruto to apologise to the Democratic Republic of Congo over his remarks insinuating the country has no cows.

Raila issued a statement on the matter adding his voice to those of many Kenyans who were disappointed by the DP’s utterances.

“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 Congo,” Raila said.

Raila expressed his disappointment in Ruto’s remarks, which has scarred the deep ties that bind Kenya and DRC. He said Ruto’s remarks scorned DRC, which holds Kenya in high esteem.

“As a person who has worked diligently alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta in deepening the ties that bind our two countries, I have been very disturbed and deeply disappointed by utterances of Deputy President William Ruto that poured scorn on an otherwise friendly and enterprising nation that also holds Kenya in high esteem,” Raila said.

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In his statement, Raila noted that Kenya and DRC signed a General Cooperation Agreement to promote economic, technical, scientific and socio-cultural cooperation on the basis of the principles of sovereign equality and mutual benefit.

This deal was intent on strengthening ties in the fields of trade, agriculture, livestock development and fisheries, finance, environmental conservation, education and mining, among other areas, for the benefit of our people.

Raila said he has great respect and admiration for the people of DRC for their resilience and determination.

“Personally, I reserve great respect and admiration for the people of the DRC for their resilience and determination that has seen them keep their country going despite significant political and economic instability that erupted soon after independence,” the statement read.

The ODM leader said Ruto’s attacks on DRC denote a reckless lack of vision and foresight.

“Ruto’s attacks on the DRC are a manifestation of a reckless lack of vision and foresight; a pathetic failure to see where opportunities abound for Kenya,” the ODM leader said.

He also said DRC is a friend every visionary leader of Kenya would love to keep.