You’ll need a translator to understand Nigerian English – Kenya’s President jabs Tinubu

Kenya’s President William Ruto has mocked Nigerian English, escalating tensions after remarks by Nigeria’s leader on comparative economic conditions.

The Kenyan leader made the comments on Thursday during a public engagement, where he touted his country’s human capital while drawing a controversial comparison with Nigeria.

“Our education is good, our English is good, yes. We speak some of the best English in the world,” Ruto said. He continued, “If you listen to a Nigerian speak, you don’t know what they are saying. You need a translator even when they are speaking English. So we have some of the best human capital in the world.”

His remarks follow recent comments by Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who argued that Nigerians were experiencing a better fuel situation compared to Kenya and other countries on the continent. Tinubu made the case to suggest that Nigeria was relatively better positioned than its peers in certain economic aspects.

Ruto’s response has since sparked widespread backlash, particularly among Nigerians on social media platform X, where users criticised the tone and implications of his statement. Some warned that the exchange could strain relations between the two Anglophone African nations.

“This is unprofessional and unbecoming of a national leader. That said, it may be taken out of context and we expect President William Ruto to clarify and promote unity with Nigeria. Africa First,” one user wrote.

Another comment pushed back against the emphasis on language proficiency, stating, “English is not a measure of intelligence, it’s only in Africa that we praise those who speak good English.”

Others called for unity, with one user writing, “We are black and African, yet we insult each other instead of helping, that’s the deception of colonialism to us.”

A separate reaction directed criticism at Nigeria’s leadership, saying, “Tinubu should face Nigerians and our pressing needs not Kenya’s economy.”

The online reaction underscores growing sensitivity around national comparisons and public commentary by political leaders, particularly at a time when many African economies are grappling with inflation, fuel costs, and broader cost-of-living pressures.