Drama unfolds as PLO Lumumba walks off stage, citing disrespect from Governor Nyong’o
By Trizer Lijondo, September 10, 2026Legal scholar PLO Lumumba walked off stage during a public function on Thursday, September 10, 2026, after he was asked to pause his presentation to allow Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to be welcomed at a Kisumu conference.
The moment, captured on video and shared widely online, has since sparked mixed reactions, with some people supporting Lumumba’s decision while others questioned whether walking off stage was the appropriate response.
Lumumba stops presentation
Lumumba was in the middle of his presentation when he was informed that the governor was arriving and was asked to stop.
In remarks captured during the incident, the renowned lawyer and public speaker appeared to express frustration at the interruption.
He said he would stop his presentation because the governor was coming, but questioned the circumstances surrounding the interruption.
“I’ll stop, but this is the kind of thing that holds Africa back,” Lumumba said.
He went on to argue that the governor was aware that they were holding a meeting, suggesting that his arrival had interrupted proceedings while those present were celebrating.
“The governor knew that we are in the meeting. He chooses to come to interrupt, and we are here celebrating,” he said.
Lumumba then ended his presentation and walked away from the stage.
Incident sparks mixed reactions
The footage quickly drew attention online, with social media users offering different interpretations of the encounter.
Some users backed Lumumba, arguing that his comments reflected concerns about respect for time, planning and ongoing programmes. Others felt that the arrival of a governor at a public function warranted an acknowledgement and that Lumumba could have handled the interruption differently.
The incident also revived debate around Lumumba’s broader message about Africa’s ability to conduct research and present its findings effectively.
At the beginning of the remarks captured in the video, Lumumba was discussing Africa’s challenges in conducting research and presenting materials.
His decision to walk away therefore became another talking point, with some viewers focusing less on the disagreement and more on the wider point behind his statement that such interruptions are among the things that “hold Africa back”.
The incident continued to generate discussion online, with reactions divided over whether Lumumba’s response was justified or whether the interruption should simply have been treated as part of the proceedings.