PLO Lumumba to Host African Affairs Program on Russian State TV

Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, a distinguished Kenyan lawyer and orator, has been unveiled as the host of a new television program on RT, a global network owned by the Russian government.

The show, titled "Lumumba's Africa," was announced last week, marking a significant development in Lumumba's already impressive career. RT's deputy editor-in-chief and head of communications Anna Belkina introduced the program in an article, emphasizing its commitment to providing a comprehensive and perceptive examination of the African continent. Belkina highlights that the show is produced in Africa, specifically Kenya, and aims to address the most critical issues facing the region.

In her article, Belkina elaborates on the show's content, explaining that Professor Lumumba will guide viewers through an engaging and educational exploration of African issues. These topics include economic development, the lingering effects of colonialism, energy concerns, educational matters, and the promising outlook for Africa's future. To promote "Lumumba's Africa," RT has launched an extensive advertising campaign across several African nations, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The campaign, which is set to run throughout the summer of 2024, features billboards displaying RT's distinctive parakeet green logo alongside images of prominent African leaders such as the late Milton Obote and Julius Nyerere.

Belkina's article also addresses RT's ongoing efforts to challenge what she described as the pervasive influence of Western mainstream media. She criticizes major Western outlets like CNN, The New York Times, BBC, and The Guardian for their role in shaping global narratives and influencing perceptions about various countries, including those in Africa. The deputy editor-in-chief indicated that RT would continue to pose provocative questions in the coming months. These inquiries will explore topics such as African countries' reliance on IMF loans despite their natural resource wealth, the priorities of international corporations operating in Africa, and potential lingering colonial ambitions among European leaders.

Other subjects of discussion will include the possibility of reparations for slavery, Nigeria's near-involvement in a conflict related to US and French interests in Niger, and the future of the US dollar as the primary global reserve currency. Professor Lumumba brings a wealth of expertise to his role as host. An advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Tanzania, he has served as the Director of The Kenya School of Laws since 2014. Lumumba holds advanced degrees in law, including a PhD in the Laws of the Sea from the University of Ghent in Belgium. He is widely respected for his passionate advocacy of good governance, Pan-Africanism, and the rule of law, making him an ideal choice to lead discussions on the continent's challenges and opportunities.