'English' remarks misinterpreted, Nigerians are my in-laws - Kenya's President

He explained that the comments originated from a private conversation with fellow Kenyans that was later leaked and distorted online.

“And, you know, I was captured, I was speaking to my fellow citizens somewhere, and somebody, it was supposed to be a private conversation, but somebody decided that it should be public. But they also misrepresented the facts,” Ruto stated.

The controversy began after a video surfaced in which Ruto, while addressing Kenyans abroad, praised Kenya’s education system and command of English.

“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak some of the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speaking, you don’t know what they are saying. You need a translator even when they are speaking English,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

The remarks were widely interpreted as a jab at Nigerian accents and the blend of English with Pidgin, triggering backlash across social media.

Many Nigerians viewed the comments as disrespectful, especially coming from a head of state.

In a viral video on Tuesday, Ruto sought to reframe his earlier comments as a broader observation about English proficiency across the continent rather than an insult.

“The facts are that I was talking about how we in Africa speak very good English, all of us. In fact, in some countries like Nigeria, if you don’t speak excellent English, like the one we speak in Kenya, you may need a translator, you know, for you to understand the excellent English of Nigeria.

“So that was the comparison, but somebody decided to take it out of context. But I think it is as well that we can have this conversation,” he added.

He added that he hoped the episode would not strain relations, saying, “My in-laws, I hope there will be no consequences for whatever was done.”