Ruto Clarifies Remarks on Nigerian English, Says Comments Were Misunderstood

Nairobi, Kenya – Kenyan President William Ruto has responded to the controversy surrounding his recent remarks about Nigerian English, saying his comments were misinterpreted and taken out of context.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Mining Investment Conference and Expo in Nairobi, Ruto sought to ease tensions, explaining that the statement stemmed from an informal discussion and did not reflect any official position.

The backlash began after remarks he made while addressing Kenyans in the diaspora in Italy, where he praised Kenya’s education system and English proficiency. In that speech, he suggested that while Kenyans speak some of the best English globally, understanding Nigerians can sometimes require a “translator,” even when they are speaking English.

The comment quickly gained traction online, drawing criticism from Nigerians who saw it as dismissive of their linguistic identity and diversity.

In his clarification, Ruto said his intention was not to disparage Nigeria but to highlight Kenya’s strengths in the global job market. He pointed out that Kenyan professionals are often in high demand due to their communication skills and academic background.

Despite the explanation, the remarks have fueled wider conversations on social media about language, identity, and the different forms of English spoken across Africa.