Emmanuel Macron has sparked online excitement after he was spotted preparing a traditional Kenyan meal alongside celebrated Kenyan chef Dennis Ombachi in Nairobi during his visit for the Africa Forward Summit.
In a video that has since circulated widely on social media, Macron is seen in an outdoor kitchen setup at night with Ombachi as the two prepared Ugali and Sukuma wiki in what appeared to be a relaxed cultural exchange during the French President’s stay in Kenya.
The French leader is briefly seen stirring ugali before handing over the cooking process to Ombachi, who then guided him through the preparation of sukuma wiki.
The light-hearted moment quickly captured the attention of many online, with Kenyans praising the symbolic embrace of local cuisine and culture by the visiting Head of State.
Ombachi, a former rugby player turned chef and digital content creator, has built a massive online following through his popular balcony cooking sessions, where he prepares meals while interacting with fans, celebrities and public figures.
His transition from professional rugby into culinary storytelling has made him one of Kenya’s most recognisable food personalities.
In this rare collaboration, Ombachi stepped away from his usual balcony setting to host Macron in a more formal but still relaxed outdoor cooking experience.
Macron’s appearance in the kitchen came amid a busy official schedule following his arrival in Kenya on Sunday.
He was received by William Ruto ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, which has brought together heads of state, investors and global stakeholders in Nairobi.
Earlier, Macron held bilateral talks with President Ruto at State House Nairobi, where the two leaders signed 11 agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation between Kenya and France in sectors including transport, energy, digital transformation and trade.
“Kenya is deeply honoured to host this summit, the first to be held outside France or a Francophone African country in more than five decades,” Ruto said during the engagements.
Beyond official meetings, Macron has also been seen participating in informal activities during his visit, including a morning jog through Nairobi with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge.
The cooking session with Ombachi now adds to a growing list of cultural interactions that have defined Macron’s visit, blending diplomacy with everyday Kenyan experiences as the summit continues.
