A recent incident at the 18th annual scientific conference of the Tropical Institute of Community Health and Development in Kisumu has sparked debate across the country. Professor PLO Lumumba, the keynote speaker, walked out of the conference midway through his speech after being interrupted by the arrival of Governor Anyang' Nyong'o. The incident has split opinions, with some saying the scholar was disrespected and others arguing that a governor deserves a welcome.
According to eyewitnesses, the programme had scheduled Professor Lumumba to speak at 9 am, but the event was delayed, and by the time the professor started speaking, it was already 11 am. As he was delivering his keynote address on why Africa struggles to use its own research, an organiser asked him to pause, citing the arrival of Governor Nyong'o. Professor Lumumba expressed his disappointment, questioning which mattered more, the speech or the guest's arrival.
The incident has sparked a national conversation about protocol and respect for public officials. Columnist Nicholas Okumu has weighed in on the issue, arguing that such incidents are avoidable if organisers and public officials follow simple rules. Okumu suggests that event organisers should include a line in every programme stating that speakers finish their presentations without interruption and that VIPs are welcomed at the next break.
Okumu also advises public officials to send a note ahead of their arrival, requesting that proceedings not be stopped for their entry. He argues that this simple courtesy can help avoid awkward situations like the one that unfolded in Kisumu. The columnist further notes that speakers, like Professor Lumumba, should express their concerns about such interruptions but remain to deliver their presentations.
The incident has also raised questions about the culture of waiting for important people in Kenya. Okumu argues that the people served by public officials are the important ones, not the officials themselves. He cites an example of Nelson Mandela publicly addressing Thabo Mbeki for arriving late, but then proceeding to listen and contribute to the discussion.
The walkout by Professor Lumumba has been viewed by many as a bold move, but also a missed opportunity for the audience. Those who had travelled to hear him speak left without getting what they came for, and the incident has overshadowed the conference. The video clip of the incident has been widely shared on social media, with many commenting on the etiquette and protocol involved.
The debate is likely to continue, with some arguing that Professor Lumumba was right to walk out and others saying that he should have stayed and finished his speech. The incident has highlighted the need for clear communication and respect for all participants at public events.
Key points
- A recent incident at a conference in Kisumu has sparked debate after Professor PLO Lumumba walked out in protest at an interruption by Governor Anyang' Nyong'o.
