Musician Bien-Aimé Baraza has addressed criticism from a section of Kenyans online after attending a high-profile dinner hosted by Emmanuel Macron during the French leader’s recent visit to Kenya.
President Macron arrived in the country on May 10 to co-host the Africa Forward Summit alongside William Ruto, with several notable figures from the entertainment and creative industry invited to attend official events linked to the summit.
Celebrities Attend Macron Dinner
On May 11, Macron hosted an exclusive dinner bringing together a select group of Kenyan creatives, entertainers and cultural figures.
Among those in attendance were Bien, his wife Chiki Kuruka, digital creator and chef Dennis Ombachi, and actress Sarah Hassan.
Following the event, Bien shared photos from the evening on social media, expressing appreciation for the invitation. Chiki later reflected on the interaction, saying Macron appeared to genuinely value the arts and creative industry.
However, the dinner quickly sparked debate online.
Some critics questioned why African artistes and creatives were associating with powerful Western political leaders and global elites, while others criticised Bien’s participation in summit-related performances attended by dignitaries and heads of state.
Bien Responds to Online Criticism
In response to the backlash, the Sauti Sol member defended his decision to attend the gathering, insisting that engagement with influential leaders does not erase his identity or beliefs.
“I can sit at a table with global leaders and still remain fully African, fully critical, and fully myself. Presence is not submission,” Bien wrote in a statement shared online.
Chiki also defended African artistes invited to participate in the summit, arguing that creatives should not be attacked for entering influential international spaces.
“You cannot ask African artistes to take Africa to the world, then criticise them for entering rooms where the world is shaped,” she stated.
She further argued that artistes help carry African stories beyond borders and play a role in ensuring the continent remains visible in global conversations.
Dr Ofweneke Criticises Macron’s Tone
The conversation intensified further after comedian and media personality Dr Ofweneke criticised Macron’s conduct during one of the summit sessions held at the University of Nairobi.
During a cultural presentation at the Africa Forward Summit, Macron interrupted the session to call out attendees he felt were making excessive noise during speeches.
“I am sorry, guys. But it is impossible to speak about culture when these people… make a speech with such noise,” Macron said before asking those unwilling to listen to leave the room.
The remarks drew mixed reactions online.
Ofweneke later shared his views on Instagram, saying the French president’s tone throughout the visit felt inappropriate.
“Macron must understand that we are not fighting for independence anymore, and his tone during this visit is a little bit weird,” he wrote.
His comments sparked further debate online.
Some Kenyans agreed with him and felt the French leader came across as too authoritative, while others defended Macron, arguing that attendees should have respected the event proceedings.
