The greeting is commonly used by the Luhya community and not the Luo community in Kisumu. The moment happened during a joint event with President William Ruto.
The two leaders were attending the launch of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway extension at Kibos. The project is expected to improve transport, trade, and regional connection across East Africa. The event attracted thousands of people, leaders, and guests from different countries.
Museveni began his speech with the warm greeting, which quickly caught the attention of the crowd. Some people smiled while others appeared surprised. The word “Mulembe” is widely used in western Kenya among the Luhya people, while Luo speakers often use greetings such as “Ber.”
The greeting soon became a talking point on social media. Many users reacted with humor and curiosity. Some joked that the president mixed up communities, while others said he may have used a familiar greeting from past visits to western Kenya.
Museveni has interacted with many Kenyan communities over the years. In January 2025, he was honored as a Luo elder during a cultural festival in Siaya. Despite this, his choice of greeting in Kisumu stood out as unusual for the audience.
The event also provided a platform for important discussions. Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga took the opportunity to raise concerns about ongoing tensions on Lake Victoria. He urged Museveni to help address disputes affecting Kenyan fishermen.
The lake, shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, has seen repeated conflicts. Fishermen often face arrests and loss of equipment due to unclear boundaries and different enforcement practices. Oburu called for cooperation to protect livelihoods and promote peace.
President Ruto spoke about the railway project and its importance to the region. He said the new line would boost trade and create opportunities for many people. Museveni also expressed support for expanding the railway further into Uganda.
The “Mulembe” moment remained a light and humorous highlight of the day. Despite the small mix-up, the event strengthened ties between Kenya and Uganda. It also showed the value of cultural awareness in regional gatherings.