Light Moment As William Ruto Interrupts Kenyan Lady In US, Asks Her To Speak Slowly: "Punguza Tweng"

• President William Ruto was welcomed at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta by Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'Oei and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman
• At a meeting with Kenyans, Ruto asked a lady to speak slowly as her English accent made it difficult for him to understand, amusing the attendees
• The lady's question focused on Ruto's plans for rural development, particularly for farmers and underdeveloped communities
• She emphasised the importance of ensuring that rural areas are included in Kenya's overall development

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Atlanta - President William Ruto is on a historic four-day visit to the United States of America (USA).

The head of state's plane landed at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, May 20.

Ruto was welcomed at the airport by Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'Oei, US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, and the Mayor of the City of Atlanta, Andre Dickens.

The president then proceeded to meet Kenyans living in the US at the Cobb Galleria Center, Atlanta.

They discussed various topics touching on Kenyan issues and their stay in the North American state.

Why did Ruto ask Kenyan lady to speak slowly?

During the meeting at the Cobb Galleria Center, a Kenyan lady living in the US arose to ask a question on last-mile connectivity.

The lady introduced herself and her family before revealing to the head of state that they have a company in Kenya.

However, she was interrupted by a confused Ruto, much to the laughter and amusement of all in the hall.

Ruto explained to the lady that her English had him scrambling to understand what she was trying to communicate.

"Excuse me madam...your English is a bit...Can you try Kiswahili? Ama kidogo upunguze the tweng. The tweng imenipita kidogo," he said while laughing.

What was Kenyan-American lady's question to Ruto

The lady posed her question on Ruto's plan for rural development, especially for farmers and underdeveloped communities, before asking if she was slow enough.

She further questioned the government's plans for last-mile connectivity to ensure all parts of the nation are developed.

"We are very interested in rural development when it relates to farmers, when it relates to underdeveloped communities...Is that slow enough? Just want to understand your administration's program for last-mile connectivity and making sure that as Kenya develops, it doesn't leave the rural community behind," she posed.

How Kenya will benefit from Ruto's US visit

As previously reported by TUKO.co.ke, during Ruto's state visit to the United States (US) on Thursday, May 23, Kenya will seek to attract trillions of shillings in investment.

Trade negotiations and trade shows are expected to take centre stage during the week-long trip.

According to Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano, Kenya will pitch over 30 business ideas to prospective investors with the goal of closing deals worth over $20.5 billion (KSh 2.69 trillion).

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke