William Ruto, president of Kenya, has said his recent comment about Nigerians and the English language was misquoted and taken out of context.
Speaking at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Expo 2026 in Nairobi, Ruto said the remark was made during what he described as a private conversation.
“I was speaking to my fellow citizens somewhere, and it was supposed to be a private conversation, but somebody decided it should be public,” he said.
Ruto said the comment was misrepresented, noting that his intention was to highlight the strong command of English across African countries.
“The facts are that I was talking about how we in Africa speak very good English, all of us,” he said.
He added that Nigeria was used as an example to illustrate the point.
“In some countries like Nigeria, if you don’t speak excellent English, like the one we speak in Kenya, you may need a translator to understand the excellent English of Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the comparison was not meant to offend but was taken out of context.
“But somebody decided to take it out of context,” he said.
Addressing a Nigerian delegation led by Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals, Ruto sent his regards to President Bola Tinubu.
“Please pass my regards to President Tinubu, my friend, and to the great people of Nigeria, who are my in-laws,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the controversy would not affect relations.
“My in-laws, I hope there will be no consequences for whatever was done,” he added.