Lawyer and public intellectual Prof Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba walked off the stage during a public address in Kisumu after he was asked to pause his presentation to allow Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o to be formally welcomed.
Lumumba was addressing the 18th edition of the TICH Annual Scientific Congress 2026 when the proceedings were interrupted following Nyong’o’s arrival.
A video circulating on social media shows the renowned lawyer and public speaker questioning why an ongoing discussion had to be stopped because a political leader had arrived.
“And that is part of the African problem. I’m being stopped because the governor is coming. What is important, is it what we are saying or the governor is coming?” Lumumba said.
He had been discussing challenges facing Africa’s medical research sector and some of the factors he said were preventing it from operating effectively.
Although Lumumba initially appeared willing to pause his presentation, he used the interruption to criticise what he viewed as excessive deference to political leaders before leaving the stage.
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“The governor knew we had a meeting. He chose to come to interrupt, and we are here celebrating,” he said.
The incident has since sparked debate online, with some users backing Lumumba’s decision and criticising the organisers for interrupting the presentation.
X user @WycOdiwuor praised Lumumba, writing: “Well done PLO! We must stop this madness of obsession with power & ascribing respect where none has been earned.”
Another user, @Eleweka777, argued that the organisers were primarily responsible for the disruption, saying Nyong’o could have been welcomed without interrupting the ongoing presentation.
“PLO’s frustration is understandable. But the failure may lie less with Governor Nyong’o than with the organisers who interrupted substance to perform protocol,” the user wrote.
@bunnyvicoz also supported Lumumba’s position, comparing the incident to the treatment of politicians at religious gatherings.
“The same things happen in our churches. We need to stop this nonsense,” the user wrote.
Lumumba is known for his forceful public speaking style and Pan-African views. He has delivered addresses across Africa on governance, leadership, constitutionalism and the continent’s development.