Ruto, Dele Alake Trade Playful Jabs Over English at Nairobi Mining Conference

A lighthearted exchange between Kenyan President William Ruto and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has sparked reactions across social media after both leaders traded humorous remarks over Nigerians and the English language at the ongoing Kenyan Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition in Nairobi.

The banter followed a viral video in which President Ruto jokingly suggested that Nigerians do not speak good English, a remark many Nigerians interpreted as a friendly jab but one that quickly generated widespread reactions online.

At the mining conference, Alake, who is also Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), seized the moment during his opening remarks to respond directly to the Kenyan leader, who was seated at the event.

With a smile, Alake told President Ruto and the Kenyan audience that Nigerians speak “impeccable English,” drawing loud laughter and applause from the packed conference hall.

Kenya’s Mining Minister, Ali Hassan Joho, added to the humour, saying Nigerians speak such good English that one Nigerian used it successfully to win the hand of President Ruto’s daughter in marriage.

The comment referenced the marriage between President Ruto’s eldest daughter, June Ruto, and Nigerian law professor Dr. Alexander Ezenagu, further fueling the friendly cross-border jokes and earning more laughter from attendees.

Not to be left out, President Ruto reportedly returned to the stage for what many described as “round two,” keeping the laughter going and turning the diplomatic event into what felt like a good-natured roast session between African political heavyweights.

The exchange has since been celebrated online as a refreshing moment of humour in diplomacy, with many social media users describing it as a perfect example of African unity, cultural connection, and friendly rivalry.