Are there any famous people who speak Swahili?

While it's difficult to definitively say who speaks Swahili fluently, here are some notable people who have publicly spoken or interacted with the language:

Politicians & World Leaders:

* Barack Obama: While not fluent, Obama spoke a few Swahili phrases during his presidency. His father was Kenyan, and Swahili is one of the official languages of Kenya.

* Nelson Mandela: Mandela, a South African revolutionary, spent time in Tanzania during his exile, where he learned some Swahili.

* Bill Clinton: While visiting Kenya and Tanzania, Clinton addressed audiences in Swahili.

* John F. Kennedy: During his visit to Tanzania in 1961, Kennedy greeted people in Swahili.

Celebrities:

* Lupita Nyong'o: A Kenyan-Mexican actress, Nyong'o is fluent in Swahili and often speaks it in interviews.

* Idris Elba: A British actor of Sierra Leonean descent, Elba has been seen speaking Swahili on several occasions.

* Michelle Obama: While not fluent, she has spoken a few Swahili phrases during her trips to Africa.

Other:

* Dr. Jane Goodall: The world-renowned primatologist has spent decades studying chimpanzees in Tanzania and is known to speak Swahili.

Important Note: While these individuals may have spoken Swahili at some point, fluency and regular usage can vary. It's also important to be aware of the complex history of Swahili in Africa and the potential for Western figures to misrepresent or appropriate the language.

Overall, it's not surprising that some famous people speak Swahili, given its widespread use across East Africa and its growing global influence.