Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English - Foreign Affairs

Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English - Foreign Affairs - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum › Nairaland General › Politics › Foreign Affairs › Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English (17193 Views)

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Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by BlackViper(op): 8:30am On Apr 24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNQ6y_Dkyc0

President William Ruto said that Kenyans spoke some of the best English in the world

Kenyan President William Ruto has faced a social media backlash after publicly suggesting that Nigerian-accented English was incomprehensible and required a translator.

Addressing Kenyans living in Italy on Monday, Ruto said: "If you listen to a Nigerian speaking, you don't know what they are saying - you need a translator," while boasting that Kenyans spoke "some of the best English in the world".

His remarks drew fierce condemnation from Nigerians and other Africans online who accused the Kenyan leader of demeaning a fellow African nation.

"English is a colonial language, not a measure of intelligence, capability, or national progress," wrote Hopewell Chin'ono, a Zimbabwean journalist.

As former British colonies, both Kenya and Nigeria share English as an official language, but each country has developed distinct spoken varieties with different phonetic structures.

These differences reflect the influence of indigenous languages - Nigeria has more than 500 languages which shape its cadence and intonation, while Kenya's Bantu, Nilotic and Cushitic mix give rise to its own accents.

But in his address to the diaspora gathering, Ruto said Kenya's education system produced strong English proficiency and that it was difficult to understand Nigerians when they spoke English.

"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," he said, sparking laughter in the room.

"We have some of the best human capital anywhere in the world. We just need to sharpen it with more training," Ruto added.

His remarks have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users criticising the Kenyan leader for showcasing a "deep inferiority complex rooted in colonial conditioning".

"Ruto is mocking the English of the country with a Nobel Prize for literature winner.The Nation of Achebe and Chimamanda," former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani posted on X, referring to Wole Soyinka - the country's only Nobel Prize winner - along with acclaimed authors Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Other social media users urged Ruto to focus on addressing pressing issues facing his citizens - such as the cost of living and unemployment - rather than engaging in what they described as distractions.

Online barbs between Kenya and Nigeria are a frequent occurrence, often marked by intense, humorous and sometimes volatile cyber wars on platforms like X.

These exchanges typically revolve around economic comparisons, pop culture and sport and, more recently, political remarks.

Earlier this month, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu faced a backlash from Kenyans online after stating that Nigerians were "better off than those in Kenya and other African countries" despite rising fuel prices at home.

While Ruto did not make a direct reference to any specific comment, some online interpretations suggested his remarks may be in response to Tinubu's comments.

There has been no official response from Ruto's government, but some Kenyans have defended him online, arguing that critics have misunderstood the intent of his remarks and missed the humour.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0ledd82ed0o

5 Likes 1 Share

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Sonnobax15(m): 8:42am On Apr 24

Just see what our African leaders are dragging angry

. And you expect the rest of the world to take us serious or stop seeing us lesser animals abi.

14 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Namaster: 8:48am On Apr 24

Nigerians who HATE Nigerians will read this NONSENSE and use it to justify their HATE for their country.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Authors who write in English have set the BENCHMARK for literature in Africa and the World.

EVERYBODY knows China Achebe.
EVERYBODY knows Wole Soyinka.
EVERYBODY knows Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

NOBODY can name ONE author from Kenya without first searching GOOGLE.

There are NIGERIANS who speak with BRITISH ACCENTS without having step out of Nigeria.

While some people will lay ALL the blame at the feet of Nigerian Politicians, Ruto SHARES in the blame.

People in Leadership positions should know BETTER than to make STEWPID generalisations.

60 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Bahamas95(m): 8:53am On Apr 24

No wonder the whites call us black monkeys, see the nonsense coming outta the mouth of a so-called president of a country.

Even a secondary school student won't make this senseless statement......The whites who own the language have different accents.

32 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by BlackViper(op): 9:05am On Apr 24

You've never heard of Ngugi Wa'Thiongo?

Namaster:
Nigerians who HATE Nigerians will read this NONSENSE and use it to justify their HATE for their country.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Authors who write in English have set the BENCHMARK for literature in Africa and the World.

EVERYBODY knows China Achebe.
EVERYBODY knows Wole Soyinka.
EVERYBODY knows Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

NOBODY can name ONE author from Kenya without first searching GOOGLE.

There are NIGERIANS who speak with BRITISH ACCENTS without having step out of Nigeria.

While some people will lay ALL the blame at the feet of Nigerian Politicians, Ruto SHARES in the blame.

People in Leadership positions should know BETTER than to make STEWPID generalisations.

25 Likes 1 Share

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Humblesam(m): 9:10am On Apr 24

This is the most foolish statement ever made by a sitting president of a country.
What was he even thinking and his dull citizens would be applauding and celebrating this his uncommon achievement and be feeling untop of the world for berating Nigerian spoken English.
What an Achievement by the Kenyan president 😯

5 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by mariovito(m): 9:24am On Apr 24

BlackViper:
You've never heard of Ngugi Wa'Thiongo?

That's just one needle in a haystack

9 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Namaster: 9:49am On Apr 24

BlackViper:
You've never heard of Ngugi Wa'Thiongo?

WITHOUT Google, I did NOT know him as the author of Weep Not, Child which I've read.

And that's EXACTLY my point.

I'm an African and I still need Google to learn the identity of an apparently SUCCESSFUL Kenyan Author.

And I can assure you, I've read WAY MORE books than the average African.

Meanwhile, Chinua Achebe was still mentioned in a RECENT episode of Abbot Elementary.

My point was NOT to discredit Kenyan Authors.
It was to demonstrate that Nigerian authors who ply their trade in English Language have had more FAME and SUCCESS than their Kenyan counterparts.

What happened with your post is highly UNLIKELY to happen if you go to a Kenyan Forum and ask about Achebe, Adichie or Soyinka.

Plus, a Nigerian Girl recently won the African Spelling Bee in the Junior Category.

And a Nigerian boy, Daniel Adesiyan, representing Rwanda won the Senior Category.

Point being when it comes to MASTERY of the English Language, Nigeria is SUPERIOR to Kenya.

There are many areas in which Kenya can SHEET on Nigeria with IMPUNITY, speaking or writing English is NOT one of them.

54 Likes 1 Share

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Cutezt(m): 10:12am On Apr 24

See the video here
Mynd44 Lalasticlala Nlfpmod

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNQ6y_Dkyc0

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by femi4: 7:47pm On Apr 24

Ignorance...they didnt know the difference between pidgin n british english

8 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by AlabiKILLER2023: 7:47pm On Apr 24

It will never be well with E-bola Tinubu

I'm placing a curse on him
His entire generation will never see old age

1 Like

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by mannobi(m): 7:48pm On Apr 24

Imagine kenya? Nigeria should be teaching you English. How many literary icons have they produced in Kenya compared to Nigeria with a Nobel lauréate in literature.

2 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by datola: 7:48pm On Apr 24

African leaders are still fighting over who speaks good English language in 2026!

56 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Basic123: 7:49pm On Apr 24

AlabiKILLER2023:
It will never be well with E-bola Tinubu

I'm placing a curse on him
His entire generation will never see old age

Tinubu is 80

You better just pray for your unknown self and children instead

51 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Atheistan: 7:51pm On Apr 24

Perhaps a joke i dont know, haven't watched the video will edit my comment when i do.

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Guyman02: 7:51pm On Apr 24

Ruto is more useless than Tilumbu, he was busy increasing taxes instead of bringing rapid development which led to protests and riots and he has nothing to show, all he does is sign agreements with western powers to establish military bases in Kenya, he should getat

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by SMerchant: 7:51pm On Apr 24

Our kwantiri have safad

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by LibertyRep: 7:53pm On Apr 24

It's a banter , nothing else.

We take things too seriously

1 Like

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by FashionCookie(f): 7:53pm On Apr 24

Namaster:
Nigerians who HATE Nigerians will read this NONSENSE and use it to justify their HATE for their country.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Authors who write in English have set the BENCHMARK for literature in Africa and the World.

EVERYBODY knows China Achebe.
EVERYBODY knows Wole Soyinka.
EVERYBODY knows Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

NOBODY can name ONE author from Kenya without first searching GOOGLE.

There are NIGERIANS who speak with BRITISH ACCENTS without having step out of Nigeria.

While some people will lay ALL the blame at the feet of Nigerian Politicians, Ruto SHARES in the blame.

People in Leadership positions should know BETTER than to make STEWPID generalisations.

Ngugi wa Thiongo and Ngugi wa Mirii comes to mind.

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Willy2025: 7:53pm On Apr 24

What of the African literature giant, Ngugi Wa Thiongo? Have you heard of the novel: Weep Not Child or The River Between? Ngugi Wa Thiongo was a literary giant comparable to our own Chinua Achebe in terms of deep African history and culture. Ruto is just babbler like balablu. Kenyans are good in their own ways too

Namaster:
Nigerians who HATE Nigerians will read this NONSENSE and use it to justify their HATE for their country.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Authors who write in English have set the BENCHMARK for literature in Africa and the World.

EVERYBODY knows China Achebe.
EVERYBODY knows Wole Soyinka.
EVERYBODY knows Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

NOBODY can name ONE author from Kenya without first searching GOOGLE.

There are NIGERIANS who speak with BRITISH ACCENTS without having step out of Nigeria.

While some people will lay ALL the blame at the feet of Nigerian Politicians, Ruto SHARES in the blame.

People in Leadership positions should know BETTER than to make STEWPID generalisations.

2 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by mysticwarrior(m): 7:54pm On Apr 24

femi4:
Ignorance...they didnt know the difference between pidgin n british english

Don't mind him jare, the man doesn't know what he is saying.

2 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Dijita: 7:55pm On Apr 24

BlackViper:
You've never heard of Ngugi Wa'Thiongo?

Weep not my child,
Weep not my baby,
With these kisses, let me wipe away your tears.

He will be very ashamed of his president because he stopped writing in English because he considered it a colonial language. Here is his president insulting us on the same colonial master language. What an irony.

4 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by SonOfWords(m): 7:57pm On Apr 24

Namaster:
Nigerians who HATE Nigerians will read this NONSENSE and use it to justify their HATE for their country.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Authors who write in English have set the BENCHMARK for literature in Africa and the World.

EVERYBODY knows China Achebe.
EVERYBODY knows Wole Soyinka.
EVERYBODY knows Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

NOBODY can name ONE author from Kenya without first searching GOOGLE.

There are NIGERIANS who speak with BRITISH ACCENTS without having step out of Nigeria.

While some people will lay ALL the blame at the feet of Nigerian Politicians, Ruto SHARES in the blame.

People in Leadership positions should know BETTER than to make STEWPID generalisations.

Nigeria as it is today deserves every ounce of hate it's getting from her citizens, and even more.

2 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Cmeo(m): 7:59pm On Apr 24

Let Ruto continue, but there is God o!

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Jughead29: 8:00pm On Apr 24

If he had used youth unemployment, joblessness and poverty I would have rolled with him. But this, doesn't add up and kindly shut the Fk up

Comparing Kenyan with Nigeria in terms of English shows how poor the brain is check 👇

Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, a 17-year-old student from Yobe State, Nigeria, was crowned the world's best in English language skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London. She outclassed over 20,000 contestants

Another 14yrs old Adeolu Oluwadamilola Ooreofe has delivered a standout performance, emerging as the winner of the 2026 African Spelling Bee

Where are the rest African countries?

I don't blame him, I blame our useless leaders

4 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by israelmao(m): 8:01pm On Apr 24*

Kenyans of all people are here talking about having excellent British accent.I have listened to some of them speak in English language and I couldn't help but rolled on the floor in uncontrollable and crib cracking laughter.

Under the PDP-led government could Kenya have had the slightest thought defying Nigerian economy that was ranked among the top twenty economies in the world?Today,APC-led government has made Nigeria a cheap broth for minion nations' spit.

2 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by tommy589(m): 8:03pm On Apr 24

FashionCookie:
Ngugi wa Thiongo and Ngugi wa Mirii comes to mind.

I was about mentioning it until I saw your post. Weep not Child remains one of the best novels I've ever read

2 Likes

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by correctguy101(m): 8:04pm On Apr 24

Sonnobax15:

Just see what our African leaders are dragging . And you expect the rest of the world to take us serious or stop seeing us lesser animals abi.

They can see you all as lesser animals all they want but....

Many no go there come treat some of us like that, our presence sef go dey make dem fear say we wan do dem wetin dem do our ancestors.

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Starboytwo(m): 8:09pm On Apr 24

BlackViper:
You've never heard of Ngugi Wa'Thiongo?

what kind of name is that?? What’s the English version since they are the no 1 speaker of English in the world.

1 Like

Re: Kenya's President Ruto Faces Backlash After Mocking Nigerians' Spoken English by Olat4421: 8:10pm On Apr 24

2 mumu president in 2 mumu countries

2 Likes

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