Ruto Clarifies Misinterpreted Comments on Nigeria's English

Kenyan President William Ruto defended his recent comments regarding English proficiency in Nigeria, stating that they were misinterpreted and taken out of context. Speaking at a mining investment conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, Ruto explained that his remarks were part of a private conversation that was later made public.

He expressed admiration for Nigeria, referring to Nigerians as "in-laws," and emphasized that his intention was to highlight the general English proficiency across Africa, not to insult Nigeria. Ruto noted that while some countries, including Nigeria, may not excel in English, he did not mean to demean anyone.

His comments sparked online controversy, particularly following a comparison made by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu during a visit to Bayelsa State on April 10, 2026, where he discussed living conditions in Nigeria compared to other African countries, including Kenya. Ruto's clarification aimed to mitigate any potential fallout from the misunderstanding.