Kenya's Ruto Clarifies Nigeria English Comments: 'I Was Complimenting'
Four days after Kenya's President William Ruto sparked controversy by suggesting interpreters are needed to understand Nigerians' English, he has clarified his remarks. Speaking at a Mining Investment Conference in Nairobi attended by Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, Ruto claimed his comments were made in a private session and misrepresented. 'I was captured, I was speaking to my fellow citizens somewhere, and somebody decided that it should be public,' Ruto stated. 'The facts are that I was talking about how we in Africa speak very good English, all of us.' Ruto maintained he was actually praising Nigeria's excellent English and referred to Nigerians as his 'in-laws.' The comments came days after Ghana's President John Mahama expressed concern for Nigeria's stability. Many Nigerians had condemned the original remarks, pointing out Nigeria's Nobel Prize-winning authors and globally recognized educationists. Ruto added he hoped there would be no backlash from Nigerians. Does this diplomatic incident reflect genuine concern about education quality or simply cultural misunderstanding between African nations?