Ruto clarifies remarks on Nigerian English after viral online backlash

Speaking on Tuesday, April 28, during the Mining Investment Conference and Expo in Nairobi, President Ruto said his remarks were taken out of context and misrepresented. 

The Head of State explained that his comments were meant to highlight the proficiency of English across different African countries and not to disparage any nation.

"I was recorded when I was speaking to fellow citizens somewhere. It was supposed to be a private conversation, but someone decided that it should be public. But they also misrepresented the facts," he said.

“The facts are that I was talking about how we in Africa speak very good English. In fact, in some countries like Nigeria, if you don’t speak excellent English like the one we speak in Kenya, you may need a translator for you to understand the excellent English in Nigeria, so that was the comparison, but someone decided to take it out of context,” Ruto explained.

Further, President Ruto expressed hope that the incident would not strain relations between Nigeria and Kenya.

“My in-laws, I hope there will be no consequences for whatever was done,” the Head of State added.

Speaking on Monday, April 23, while addressing Kenyans living in Italy, President Ruto praised Kenya’s education system, highlighting the country’s strong proficiency in the English language.

The President went on to make a comparison with Nigerian English and sensationally said it is difficult to understand and may require a translator.

"Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak some of the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speaking, you don't know what they are saying. You need a translator even when they are speaking English," said Ruto.

His remarks sparked widespread outrage online, with users from both Nigeria and Kenya criticizing the President and accusing him of demeaning a fellow African nation.

Ruto's clarification came just moments after Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, sparked attention with a light-hearted but pointed remark directed at President William Ruto, saying Nigerians have “mandated” him to affirm that they speak good English.

The comment, delivered in a humorous tone, appeared aimed at reinforcing national pride while addressing perceptions about language proficiency across African countries.

"The people of Nigeria have mandated me to inform you and assure you that Nigerians speak good english,” he stated amidst laughter during the Mining Investment Conference and Expo in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Critics argue that English, as a colonial language, should not be used to measure intelligence or national progress. 

Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono was among those who voiced concern, calling for a broader appreciation of linguistic diversity.

Both Nigeria and Kenya use English as an official language, but each has developed distinct accents shaped by indigenous languages and cultural influences.

Online exchanges between Kenyans and Nigerians are common, often blending humour, rivalry, and national pride.

Earlier, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu also faced backlash from Kenyans after suggesting Nigerians were better off economically than citizens in other African countries, while pointing out Kenya.