A light-hearted diplomatic exchange between William Ruto and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has drawn attention after a viral video and a follow-up exchange at a major mining conference in Nairobi.
The episode began days earlier when President Ruto, in a video that circulated widely on social media, appeared to take a playful swipe at Nigerians, suggesting they do not speak English well. While many Nigerians interpreted the remark as banter, it nonetheless sparked reactions online.
The issue resurfaced at the ongoing Kenyan Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition, where Alake—who also chairs the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG)—used his opening address to respond directly, with President Ruto present in the audience.
“I want to assure the President and the good people of Kenya that Nigerians speak impeccable English,” Alake said, drawing loud laughter from participants at the conference.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Ali Hassan Joho, reinforced the humour, remarking that Nigerians speak such good English that “one Nigerian used it to win the hand of the President’s daughter in marriage,” prompting further amusement in the hall.
President Ruto later took to the stage, continuing the playful exchange in what attendees described as a spirited but friendly back-and-forth between the leaders.
The reference alluded to the marriage between Ruto’s daughter, June, and Nigerian law professor Alexander Ezenagu, a union often cited in discussions of cultural ties between the two countries.
Observers at the event noted that the exchange underscored the cordial relations between Nigeria and Kenya, with the banter reflecting a broader sense of camaraderie rather than tension.
The moment has since been widely shared online, with many Africans praising the interaction as a refreshing display of humour and unity between two of the continent’s leading nations.
