KISUMU — Kenyan lawyer and public intellectual Professor Patrick Lumumba walked off the stage during the 18th TICH Annual Scientific Conference in Kisumu after he was asked to pause his presentation to allow Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o to be formally welcomed.
Lumumba was delivering an address at the conference at the Mama Grace Onyango Cultural and Social Centre when proceedings were interrupted following Nyong’o’s arrival. The conference is running from September 9 to 11, 2026.
According to reports from the event, an announcer interrupted Lumumba’s presentation and indicated that the programme would pause to welcome the governor.
Lumumba questioned the decision, noting that Nyong’o was aware of the programme and had arrived after the scheduled start.
He subsequently left the stage, saying: “That is part of the African problem.”
The incident has since attracted attention online, with reactions divided over whether Lumumba was justified in objecting to the interruption or whether he should have accommodated the change in protocol.
Reports from the event said the governor later apologised over the disruption.
The conference brings together health professionals, researchers, academics and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting healthcare and locally driven solutions.
Video clips of Lumumba leaving the stage have circulated widely on social media, prompting renewed debate about political protocol at academic and professional events and the treatment of public officials.
Lumumba, a prominent Kenyan lawyer and public speaker, has frequently spoken about African leadership, governance and the need for locally driven solutions to the continent’s challenges.
