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Tag: William Ruto

  • Ruto Meets Tinubu in Nairobi Days After Apologising Over Nigerians’ English Accent

    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.

  • Ruto Says He Was Misquoted Over Nigerian Accent Remarks, Defends English Proficiency Comment

    Kenyan President William Ruto has reacted to criticism over his comments on Nigerian-accented English, saying his remarks were taken out of context.

    The controversy followed his statement during a meeting with Kenyans in Italy on April 20.

    Original Remarks Spark Reactions

    Ruto had suggested that Nigerian-accented English could be difficult to understand and might require a translator, while noting Kenya’s strength in English proficiency.

    The comments triggered widespread reactions online, especially from Nigerians.

    Former Senator Shehu Sani also weighed in, referencing Nigeria’s literary icons in his response on social media platform X.

    Ruto Speaks in Nairobi

    Addressing the issue in Nairobi on April 28, Ruto said he was misquoted and clarified that the remarks came from a private conversation that was later leaked.

    “I was misquoted. All of us in Africa speak good English,” he said.

    He added that his comments were meant to highlight Africa’s general proficiency in English, not to insult any country.

    Defends African Accents

    Ruto insisted that different accents across the continent should not be misinterpreted as poor language skills.

    He also maintained that his point was part of a broader discussion about communication in Africa.

    The clarification comes as debate continues online over language, identity, and regional sensitivities within Africa.

  • Ruto Mocks Nigerian English After Tinubu’s Kenya Comparison Sparks Reactions

    Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has stirred reactions after taking a swipe at Nigerians while responding to recent remarks by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu comparing Nigeria’s economy to Kenya’s.

    Ruto’s remark sparks backlash

    In a viral video, Ruto defended Kenya’s standards while mocking Nigerian English.

    “Our education and English are good. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator,” he said.

    The comment has since drawn mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians criticising the tone of his response.

    Tinubu’s comment triggers exchange

    Ruto’s remark follows Tinubu’s statement during a visit to Bayelsa State on April 10, where he compared Nigeria’s economic situation with that of other African countries, including Kenya.

    “Yes, I hear you… the fuel prices are biting hard,” Tinubu said.

    “But look around; let’s thank God together that we are better off than those in Kenya and other African countries.”

    The statement sparked debate among Nigerians, many of whom questioned the comparison.

    Opposition figures push back

    Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, criticised the president’s position, urging a focus on realities on ground.

    “Nigerians should not be asked to find solace in comparisons that ignore their daily struggles,” he said.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also faulted the comparison, describing it as misleading.

    “It is both curious and troubling that the President would isolate fuel prices… while ignoring more critical indicators like purchasing power and cost of living,” Atiku said.

    He argued that affordability should be measured by income relative to expenses, adding that many Nigerians are under increasing economic pressure.

    Debate widens across borders

    The exchange has widened discussions about economic performance and national perception between Nigeria and Kenya.

    The development is trending in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today, as reactions continue to build across social media and political circles.