Sign language interpreter Youla Nzale described the sudden public attention following her interpretation of President Uhuru Kenyatta's address at the 6th Annual Devolution Conference in Kirinyaga County as "overwhelming." The moment, which occurred during the March 2019 event, sparked widespread online discussion due to her expressive delivery.
Nzale, who primarily works as a sign language interpreter for Citizen TV's prime-time news, explained that her role at the conference was part of a contracted team providing services for the five-day seminar. "I have never been and was not his official sign language interpreter at the conference," she clarified to Citizen Digital.
Asked about the unexpected viral attention, Nzale stated, "I did not expect it. The president's speech was more important to Kenyans; sign language only enabled the deaf to understand the Head of State's message." She defended her animated expressions, noting, "Facial expression is part of sign language. The level of animation varies from one interpreter to another."
She elaborated that her emotional responses mirrored the president's tone, explaining, "Deaf people do not read lips; they read facial expressions. An interpreter needs to reflect the speaker's emotions." Photos from the event, including several images of Nzale during the speech, were shared alongside the report.
