Friday, April 24, 2026 - President William Ruto has found himself at the center of a heated online backlash after suggesting that Nigerians speak English in a way that is “incomprehensible” and requires a translator.
Speaking to Kenyans living in Italy earlier this week, Ruto
praised Kenya’s education system for speaking “some of the best English in the
world,” before joking: “If you listen to a Nigerian speaking, you don’t know what they are
saying - you need a translator.”
His comments>>> drew laughter from the audience but quickly
ignited outrage across social media.
Nigerians and other Africans accused Ruto of disrespecting a
fellow nation.
Zimbabwean journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono, reminded Ruto that
English is a colonial language and “not a measure of intelligence, capability,
or national progress.”
Former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani also weighed in, noting
that Ruto was mocking the English of a country that produced Nobel laureate,
Wole Soyinka, and literary icons, Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Some observers, however, argued that Ruto’s remarks may have
been made in jest, noting that his son‑in‑law is Nigerian.
They suggested the President’s comments were more playful
banter than outright criticism, though the humor did not land well with many on
social media.
Many accused Ruto of showcasing a “colonial inferiority
complex,” while others urged him to focus on pressing issues at home such as
rising living costs and unemployment.
The spat adds to a growing trend of Kenya‑Nigeria online clashes, often fueled by economic comparisons, pop culture debates and political remarks.
“Our education and English are good. We speak some of the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator.”
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) April 23, 2026
— Kenya’s President, William Ruto fires back Nigeria’s President, Tinubu after he once made a jab at Kenya’s economy. pic.twitter.com/jluxcy2G8d
The Kenyan DAILY POST
0 Comments