Kenya’s President William Ruto drew laughter from lawmakers in Tanzania after delivering a humorous take on the evolution of Kiswahili during an address to Parliament on Tuesday.
Speaking during his official visit, Ruto opted to deliver his speech in English, but not before offering a light-hearted explanation for his choice. In a playful anecdote, he traced what he described as the “journey” of Kiswahili across the region, joking that the language thrived in Tanzania before weakening as it moved through neighbouring countries.
“I got to know that Kiswahili was born in Zanzibar, it grew and was rooted in Tanzania. On reaching Kenya, it got sick and proceeded to Uganda. On reaching Uganda, because it experienced severe sickness, it died, and the burial took place in Congo,” he said, prompting laughter from members of the House.
He then quipped that he would proceed in English to avoid making mistakes, a remark that further amused the chamber before he continued with his formal address.
The lighter moment came amid Ruto’s official visit to Tanzania, which is focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Nairobi and Dodoma.
