Kenyan President William Ruto has sparked reactions among netizens after commenting that listeners need a translator whenever Nigerians speak English to understand them in what appears to be a dig directed at the West African country. 

Mr Ruto made this remark during a recent visit to Italy where he pointed out the contrasting difference between the quality of English spoken in Kenya and Nigeria. He noted that Kenyans are one of the best English speakers in the world. 

“Kenyans, our education is good. Our English is good. We speak some of the best English in the world. That’s true if you listen to a Nigerian speaking, you need a translator even when they are speaking English,” Mr Ruto said in a now-viral video. 

Mr Ruto’s comments came two weeks after President Bola Tinubu implied that Nigeria’s current economic situation is better than that of Kenya and other African countries while addressing stakeholders during his visit to Bayelsa State. 

“It is very important that we are honest with our people. Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together, that you are better off. 

“Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries and what they are going through. We will not look back. We will continue to find a way to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable,” Mr Tinubu stated. 

Nevertheless, Mr Tinubu’s previous statement has not deterred many Nigerians on social media from expressing their displeasure about Mr Ruto’s assertion, which they deemed offensive. 

“Instead of mentioning inventions, the economy, security, and whatnot, this fool is talking about English. We are sadly being led by clowns in Africa,” a X user @Faw7an said. 

Another user @mannyjigi commented “I live in the UK as a Nigerian and have been asked by British people (whites) a few times how I have such a good accent even though I haven’t been in the UK for that long. The Kenyan President has no clue what he’s talking about. Boasting about your prowess in a foreign language though.”

@@sahmiholuboss also maintained the same position, stating “This is disgraceful. Using English a foreign language as banter material in an argument that has to do with the economy is diabolic, delusional and unintelligent. The Kenyan president should be ashamed of himself.”

On Instagram @shinasensei01 disagreed with Mr Ruto’s notion, commenting “I have Kenyan colleagues, I promise you, their English is not better than Nigerian English. An average well educated Nigerian speaks far better English.. but I don’t consider it an achievement, this is mostly just banter, nothing serious.”

“Even the English he’s speaking I can’t understand it because it doesn’t sound like English in my ears, I have to listen attentively fe but here he is criticising another country’s English speaking,” @visitbenin_ added.