Kenyan President Ruto Backtracks After Mocking Nigerians’ English Sparks Outrage
President William Ruto says his remarks about Nigerians’ English were taken out of context and insists they were meant as light-hearted comments during a public discussion.
- President William Ruto has backtracked after backlash over comments that appeared to mock Nigerians’ English
- He explained that his remarks were taken out of context and intended as light-hearted comparisons during a public discussion
- The controversy sparked strong reactions online, reigniting debate over English accents between Kenya and Nigeria.
Kenya’s President William Ruto has been forced to clarify controversial remarks that appeared to mock the way Nigerians speak English, after his comments triggered widespread backlash across social media.
Speaking at a mining conference in Nairobi attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Henry Dele Alake, Ruto insisted his earlier statement had been misunderstood and taken out of context.
His clarification came after Alake jokingly told the gathering:
“President Ruto, the people of Nigeria have mandated me to inform and assure you that Nigerians speak good English,” prompting laughter in the room.
“It was taken out of context” — Ruto explains
Responding on stage, Ruto said his comments were meant as light-hearted private remarks and not an insult.
“The fact is that I was talking about how we in Africa speak very good English, all of us,” he said.
“In fact, in some countries like Nigeria, if you do not speak excellent English like the one we speak in Kenya, you may need a translator… That was the comparison. But somebody misrepresented the facts.”
“Nigerians are my in-laws”
Attempting to ease tensions, Ruto reminded the audience of his personal ties to Nigeria, noting that one of his daughters is married to a Nigerian.
“I want to send my regards to my brothers and sisters in Nigeria… my in-laws,” he said.
He further asked Minister Alake to convey greetings to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
“Tell President Tinubu that I said, ‘Hi’. And tell him I said that in good English… so that there will be no consequences,” he added jokingly.
Backlash follows earlier remarks
Ruto’s clarification comes after his earlier comments—suggesting Nigerians’ English was difficult to understand—sparked outrage online and intensified a social media rivalry between citizens of both countries.
Kenya and Nigeria, both former British colonies, use English as an official language but have distinct accents shaped by their diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Nigeria has over 500 indigenous languages influencing speech patterns, while Kenya’s Bantu, Nilotic, and Cushitic languages also shape its English pronunciation.
