diff --git a/oslo_messaging/_drivers/impl_kafka.py b/oslo_messaging/_drivers/impl_kafka.py
index 15f7c3d1a..a8825e4c8 100644
--- a/oslo_messaging/_drivers/impl_kafka.py
+++ b/oslo_messaging/_drivers/impl_kafka.py
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ class Connection(object):
         """
 
         def _raise_timeout(exc):
-            raise driver_common.Timeout(exc.message)
+            raise driver_common.Timeout(str(exc))
 
         timer = driver_common.DecayingTimer(duration=timeout)
         timer.start()