Kenyan President mocks Nigerian English, sparking backlash

Kenyan President William Ruto has sparked controversy after suggesting that Nigerian-accented English is difficult to understand and requires a translator.

He made the remarks during a speech to Kenyans living in Italy on April 24, 2026.

Ruto claimed that Kenyans speak "some of the best English in the world" and contrasted this with Nigerian English, which he described as incomprehensible.

His comments drew laughter from the audience but provoked widespread condemnation online.

Nigerians and other Africans criticised the Kenyan leader for belittling a fellow African nation's language.

Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin'ono responded by stating that English is a colonial language and not a measure of intelligence or national progress.

The controversy arises despite both Kenya and Nigeria sharing English as an official language, a legacy of their colonial histories.

Each country has developed distinct English accents influenced by their indigenous languages; Nigeria has over 500 languages shaping its English cadence, while Kenya's Bantu, Nilotic, and Cushitic languages influence its own accents.

In his address, Ruto also praised Kenya's education system for producing strong English proficiency and highlighted the country's human capital, suggesting it only needs further training.

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