US EditionKenya's leader backtracks after comments mocking Nigerians' English
Ruto said the clip was taken out of context as social media debate grew over his remarks on English and African identity.
- On Tuesday, President William Ruto clarified viral English remarks at the Mining Investment Conference in Nairobi, stating his previous comments were private and taken out of context.
- Last week, Ruto told a diaspora audience in Italy that Kenyans speak "some of the best English in the world," adding that listening to a Nigerian speaker might require a translator.
- Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development Henry Dele Alake humorously stated, "The people of Nigeria have mandated me to inform you and assure you that Nigerians speak good english," during the summit.
- Ruto sent greetings to President Bola Tinubu, humorously requesting he relay the message "in good English" to avoid consequences, while emphasizing all Africans speak the language well.
- Both Nigeria and Kenya share English as an official language, but indigenous Bantu, Nilotic, and Cushitic languages shape distinct phonetic structures that influence their accents.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Nigerian Minister Tells President Ruto, 'We Speak Good English'
Nairobi -- Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, sparked attention with a light-hearted but pointed remark directed at President William Ruto, saying Nigerians have "mandated" him to affirm that they speak good English.
President Ruto clarifies remarks on Nigerian English
President William Ruto has moved to clarify his remarks that recently sparked outrage online. The President’s comments about how Nigerians speak English did not go down well with many people. However, Dr Ruto has insisted that his words were taken out of context and were meant in a light-hearted manner and unifying spirit rather than […]
President Ruto Clarifies Remarks on Nigeria After Uproar
President William Ruto has said that his recent remarks on Nigerian English were taken out of context. Speaking on Tuesday, April 28, at the Mining Summit in Nairobi, Ruto said the remarks were never intended for public interpretation in the way they were shared. “I was recorded when I was speaking to fellow citizens somewhere. It was supposed to be a private conversation, but someone decided that it should be public. But they also misrepresente…
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