Deputy President William Ruto on Wednesday finally issued what seemed like an apology to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after erroneously saying the country had no single cow.

Ruto, through his Presidential Campaign Communications Director Hussein Mohamed, in a press statement released Wednesday, explained away his utterances at a meeting in Nyeri.

According to Hussein, the DP clarified that his said speech was informal and his use of certain effects were to underscore the magnitude of opportunity and urgency.

 “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,” Ruto said, according to the statement.

He said Ruto also indicated that he regretted the misunderstanding that his remarks caused and assured the government and the people of DRC of his admiration and high regard.

“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,” the statement read.

Ruto’s seeming apology has come after a backlash from disgruntled citizens of the DRC and Kenya who felt the remarks were unwarranted and portrayed Kenya in a negative light.