French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet left guests in stitches during Bastille Day celebrations at the Alliance Française in Nairobi, thanks to his impressive command of Swahili and witty references to Kenyan pop culture and politics.
Addressing dignitaries, diplomats, and local attendees, Ambassador Suquet opened by highlighting the significance of the French National Day, fondly known as Bastille Day, which commemorates key events of the French Revolution.
“Leo tunasherekea Siku ya Bastille. Siku muhimu sana katika historia ya Ufaransa. Tukumbuke kuwa mambo ni mangapi? Mambo ni matatu. Uhuru, usawa na undugu,” he said, mimicking President William Ruto’s now-famous "Mambo ni Matatu" phrase, sending the audience into laughter.
Suquet then drew humorous parallels between France and Kenya, noting both nations’ vibrant cultures of protest.
The French Ambassador to Kenya’s address in Swahili on Maandamano. pic.twitter.com/tDoHWSR6Sg
— BRAVIN YURI (@BravinYuri) July 17, 2025
Keep Reading
- Nairobi West Hospital starts local production of cancer-tracing isotopes
- Conservationists slam Atwoli over push to scrap Nairobi National Park
- Nairobi Hospital suspends price hikes after insurers' outcry
- KMPDU slams 'cartel-like' insurers after Nairobi Hospital prices dispute
“Kenya na Ufaransa inashiriki katika historia ya maandamano. Sisi sote hupambana barabarani kwa minajili ya ujenzi (u Gen Z) wa taifa," he quipped, playfully mispronouncing the Swahili word ujenzi (development) as U Gen Z, a clever nod to Kenya’s youth-led demonstrations.
However, his tone turned somber as he paid tribute to lives lost during the anti-finance bill protests and other recent demonstrations.
“Ningependa kutuma rambirambi zangu kwa wote waliofariki katika maandamano hayo,” he said.
He urged against destruction during protests, reminding Kenyans that protecting property was vital for progress, “Tafadhalini tusisahau kwamba mali ni muhimu katika ujenzi (U Gen Z) wa taifa. Mimi binafsi natumai Kenya ya kesho itakuwa bora kushinda Kenya ya leo.”
In a light-hearted finale, he referenced Sauti Sol’s hit “Tujiangalie” and the protest anthem “Anguka Nayo,” saying, “Tujiangalie kama walivyosema Sauti Sol. Mwisho tuanguke nayo na tuungane mikono pamoja kazini milele daima.”
Bastille Day, celebrated every July 14, marks the 1789 storming of the Bastille and the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, two events symbolizing liberty and unity in French history.