French Ambassador Cracks Up Dignitaries with Fluent Kiswahili Mimicking Ruto: "Mambo ni Matatu"
- French ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, recognised the country's Gen Z during the Bastille Day Celebrations in Nairobi
- He also showcased his prowess in Kiswahili as he mimicked President William Ruto's catch phrase, causing dignitaries to laugh
- The ambassador further called on Kenyans to embrace peace, emphasising its importance in economic growth
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Nairobi: A light moment was experienced during the Bastille Day Celebrations after the French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, showcased his prowess in the Kiswahili language.
Source: Twitter
Speaking on Tuesday, July 15, at the Alliance Française in Nairobi, Suquet caused the dignitaries present to burst into laughter when he mimicked President William Ruto's "mambo ni matatu" phrase.
The ambassador, who chose to use the Kiswahili language throughout his entire speech, emphasised that it is important for the two nations to embrace equality, brotherhood and independence.
"Leo tunasherekea siku ya Bastille. Siku muhimu sana katika historian ya Ufaransa. Tukumbuke kuwa mambo ni mangapi? Mambo ni matatu. Uhuru, usawa na undungu," he said.
Did French ambassador recognise Gen Zs?
Suquet further stated that Kenya and France have a shared history of demonstrations as he recognised Gen Z, who have been protesting against police brutality in recent days.
"We all take to the streets for the development (Gen Z) of the country. However, I would like to send my condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the protests," he added in Kiswahili.
He further called on Kenyans to recognise that peace is very important in the building of the nation and propelling it forward economically.
The ambassador also affirmed his hope that Kenya has a prosperous future ahead.
On the other hand, the Prime Cabinet secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, who was also in attendance at the event, stated the Kenya Kwanza government's commitment to providing and maintaining a stable environment for investment.
Did protests affect Kenya's economy?
Musalia further acknowledged that the recent protests have posed challenges to the country's economy.
Source: Twitter
"While recent events on June 25 and July 7 presented challenges. They have strengthened our commitment to the rule of law and national progress. The government of Kenya continues to defend he constitutional right to peaceful assembly, demonstration and picketing," he said.
Additionally, he stated that despite the country's constitution allowing demonstrations, they must be carried out in a peaceful way to prevent the loss of more lives.
How many people died during Saba Saba protests?
Mudavadi's statement comes days after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights confirmed that at least 31 people died during the Saba Saba protests on July 7.
The annual Saba Saba protests that are usually done in commemoration of Kenya's fight for democracy took a rather as turn, characterised by gunfire, tear gas, deaths and arrests.
Human rights groups across the country, journalists and medical personnel reported cases of security personnel using excessive force when dealing with protesters.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
