Article
French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Kenya produced the kind of images governments usually hope for: celebrated Kenyan figures sharing space with a global leader.
Musician Bien-Aimé Baraza, digital creator Dennis Ombachi and marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge were among the personalities who interacted with him. Moments traditionally viewed as recognition of excellence in arts, culture and sport received swift and deeply divided reactions online.
For many young Africans, particularly millennials and Gen Z audiences, who are increasingly engaged with conversations around colonialism and economic sovereignty, any association with France now carries political weight.
Political backlash
