Ruto sparks outrage after mocking Nigerians’ English in controversial remarks

 

     President William Ruto

Kenyan President William Ruto has triggered a wave of criticism across Africa after saying Nigerians speak English in a way that is difficult to understand and may require a translator.

Addressing Kenyans living in Italy on Monday, Ruto praised Kenya’s education system and claimed it produces some of the best English speakers in the world, before making remarks that quickly drew backlash online.

“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak some of the best English in the world,” he said.

He then singled out Nigeria in comments that sparked controversy, stating:

“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.”

The Kenyan leader repeated the same sentiment while contrasting Kenya’s perceived language proficiency with other African countries.

“If you listen to a Nigerian speaking, you don’t know what they are saying - you need a translator,” he said again during the address, which was met with laughter in the room.

Ruto also used the occasion to emphasise Kenya’s human capital, saying:

“We have some of the best human capital anywhere in the world. We just need to sharpen it with more training.”

His remarks were quickly circulated on social media, drawing strong reactions from Nigerians and other Africans who accused him of being dismissive and reinforcing colonial-era attitudes about language and intelligence.

Critics argued that English, as a colonial language, should not be used as a measure of competence or national value. Others pointed out that African English varieties differ widely due to the influence of indigenous languages, accent patterns and historical development.

Both Kenya and Nigeria use English as an official language, but each has developed distinct forms shaped by local linguistic environments. Nigeria, with more than 500 languages, has evolved what is widely recognised as Nigerian English, while Kenya’s English reflects influences from Bantu, Nilotic and Cushitic languages.

There has been no official response from the Kenyan government following the backlash.

Online, the remarks have also reignited long-running rivalries between Kenyans and Nigerians, who frequently engage in debates over culture, economics, sport and identity on social media platforms.

BBC