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‘Lack of respect’ – Emmanuel Macron interrupts presentation to demand silence from audience at University of Nairobi
11th May, 2026 06:28 PM
French President Emmanuel Macron briefly interrupted a presentation at the University of Nairobi to demand silence from a noisy audience during a public engagement on culture and leadership.
In a video seen by K24 Digital on Monday, May 11, 2026, Macron, who was among the audience, walked onto the stage during a group presentation at the University of Nairobi and appeared visibly frustrated by ongoing chatter and interruptions from parts of the audience.
He briefly interrupted the session to call for order.
“Excuse me, everybody. Hey, hey, I’m sorry, guys, but it is impossible to speak about culture to have people like this who are super inspired coming here, making a speech with such a noise,” Macron said.
The French president went on to describe the situation as disrespectful, urging those who were not interested in the presentation to step outside.
“This is a total lack of respect, so I suggest that if you have to have a bilateral or speak about something else, you go outside, and if you want to stay here, we listen to the people, and we play the same game. Okay? thank you,” he added.
Macron is in Kenya for the Africa Forward summit.
Multibillion-Complex at UoN
This comes after President William Ruto unveiled a Ksh4.5 billion Engineering and Science Complex at the University of Nairobi, a landmark initiative financed through a partnership between the French Development Agency and the governments of Kenya and France.
Speaking on Monday, May 11, 2026, during the exhibition of the Proposed Engineering and Science Complex, University of Nairobi, the Head of State said the state-of-the-art facility, to be located at the University’s Chiromo Campus, is expected to strengthen the country’s capacity in engineering and scientific training while elevating the University of Nairobi into a leading centre for research, technology, and innovation in Africa.
“We are investing in our youth to ensure they remain competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape. By reforming our education system, we are empowering young people to keep pace with global trends in science and technology, positioning them as creators and innovators rather than mere consumers,” the president said.
“To advance this vision, we are partnering with France in building the University of Nairobi Science and Engineering Complex. This facility will be a premier research hub for both Kenya and the region.”
