Kenya President fires back at Tinubu, mocks Nigeria over economy, English proficiency

Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has pushed back against recent remarks by Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, criticising both the country’s economic realities and its use of English.

The diplomatic back-and-forth began after Tinubu, during a visit to Bayelsa State, commissioned major infrastructure projects and defended his administration’s handling of the economy despite growing concerns over fuel costs.

“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 fine way to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable,” Tinubu had said.

In a viral video response, Ruto rejected the comparison, highlighting Nigeria’s long-standing infrastructure challenges, particularly unreliable electricity, while also taking a swipe at how English is spoken in the country.

“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator. We’ve the best human capital anywhere in the world,” Ruto said, using humour to defend his country’s standing.

The exchange comes at a time when many African economies are under pressure, with rising fuel prices driven partly by global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting key oil routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Reactions have since poured in across social media platforms, with users criticising both the comparison and the tone of the leaders’ remarks.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, a user, Bureau-39, wrote, “Let’s not drag the whole country into this shit between two incompetent mad corrupt politicians. Both the countries speak good English, Kenya leans toward a clearer, more British-influenced style, while Nigeria mixes it with rich local flair and pidgin that can sound like its own dialect.”

Another commenter, Frank Bryant, questioned the premise of the debate, saying, “Why should Africans be competing over who speaks the colonial masters language very well?”

Xave added, “and you think they would listen to you the only thing Africans are good at is fighting amongst themselves.”

Obiridike commented, “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

Similarly, Michael James echoed, “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

Despite being one of Africa’s leading oil producers, Nigeria continues to face challenges including inflation, exchange rate volatility and inconsistent power supply.

Kenya, meanwhile, has established itself as a key hub for finance and technology in East Africa, although it is not without its own economic difficulties, such as rising public debt and increasing living costs.

(DAILY TRUST)