Renowned Kenyan legal scholar and public speaker PLO Lumumba walked off stage during a public function in Kisumu on Thursday, September 10, 2026, after he was asked to pause his presentation to allow Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to be welcomed.
Lumumba was delivering a presentation when he was informed that the governor had arrived and was asked to stop temporarily.
Expressing frustration, Lumumba said the interruption reflected some of the challenges holding Africa back.
“I’ll stop, but this is the kind of thing that holds Africa back,” he said.
He questioned why the governor arrived after the programme had already commenced and interrupted the ongoing presentation.
“The governor knew that we are in the meeting. He chooses to come to interrupt, and we are here celebrating,” Lumumba said.
He subsequently ended his presentation and walked away from the stage.
The incident was captured on video and circulated widely on social media, generating mixed reactions.
Some social media users supported Lumumba, arguing that his response highlighted the importance of respecting time, programme schedules and speakers at public events.
Others, however, said the arrival of a governor at a public function warranted an acknowledgement and that Lumumba could have handled the situation differently.
The incident occurred as Lumumba was discussing challenges facing Africa in conducting research and effectively presenting research findings.
His decision to leave the stage consequently became part of the wider discussion, particularly after his comment that such interruptions were among the issues that “hold Africa back.”
The episode has since sparked debate over protocol, leadership culture, punctuality and respect for speakers at public events.
