Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday exchanged warm pleasantries with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nairobi, days after apologising over controversial comments about Nigerians’ English accents that sparked backlash across Africa.
The two leaders were seen greeting each other during activities surrounding the Africa-France Summit in Kenya, where Tinubu is participating in discussions focused on economic reforms, climate action, energy transition and investment partnerships.
Tinubu Arrives Kenya For Summit
President Tinubu arrived Nairobi on Monday to participate in the summit, which the Presidency described as an important platform for promoting Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and investment opportunities.
The summit is expected to focus on green industrialisation, digital transformation, global financing reforms and Africa-wide economic partnerships.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga shared a video showing both presidents exchanging friendly greetings during the event.
Ruto Addresses English Accent Controversy
The meeting comes shortly after Ruto faced criticism over remarks many Nigerians considered insulting.
Speaking at an event in Nairobi earlier, the Kenyan president attempted to clarify the comments, insisting they were taken out of context and not intended to mock Nigerians.
“I was captured speaking to my fellow citizens somewhere; it was supposed to be a private conversation, but somebody decided to make it public,” Ruto said.
“The fact I was talking about how we Africans speak good English. In 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.”
Ruto also jokingly asked Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Henry Dele Alake, to pass his regards to Tinubu and Nigerians “in good English.”
Nigerians Reacted Strongly
The remarks triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians accusing the Kenyan leader of mocking Nigerian accents and reinforcing stereotypes about West Africans.
Former senator Shehu Sani reacted by pointing to Nigeria’s literary achievements and globally recognised writers.
“Ruto is mocking the English of the country with a Nobel Prize for literature winner. The Nation of Achebe and Chimamanda,” he wrote.
Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono also criticised the comments, arguing that fluency in English should never be used as a measure of intelligence or competence.
Diplomatic Ties Remain Intact
Despite the online controversy, Tuesday’s interaction between Tinubu and Ruto appeared cordial, suggesting both countries are moving beyond the dispute and maintaining diplomatic cooperation.
The meeting also comes amid recent online tensions between Nigerians and Kenyans following comments reportedly credited to Tinubu comparing Nigeria’s economy with that of Kenya and other African countries.
President Tinubu with President Ruto on arrival at the Africa Forward/ France Summit in Nairobi, Kenya pic.twitter.com/JLDwdIx6CD
— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) May 12, 2026