Lupita Nyong’o Slams Kenya’s Crackdown, Opens Up About Family’s Experience

Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has raised her voice against the recent violent suppression of anti-tax protests in Kenya, drawing parallels to the country’s troubled past and sharing her family’s personal experiences with political oppression.

Lupita Nyong’o expressed her dismay at the situation. In a statement to the BBC, she said,

“It is chilling to know that this government is resorting to tactics that I had thought had been left in the past.”

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In June 2024, Kenya witnessed a surge of large-scale demonstrations against proposed tax increases. These protests were met with a harsh response from authorities, leading to accusations of police brutality.

Human rights organizations reported dozens of fatalities and numerous abductions, painting a grim picture of the government’s approach to handling dissent.

Lupita Nyong’o’s criticism of the current government’s actions is rooted in her family’s harrowing experiences during the rule of former president Daniel arap Moi.

Her father, Anyang’ Nyong’o, now a county governor and acting leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was among a group of academics who faced persecution for their opposition to Moi’s autocratic rule in the 1980s.

Recounting her family’s ordeal, Nyong’o revealed,

“The more things change, the more they stay the same… I don’t know how this story ends.”

The actress further elaborated on her father’s experiences in her podcast “Mind Your Own,” detailing how he was jailed and tortured under Moi’s regime.

The family’s struggle took a tragic turn when Lupita’s uncle, also an activist, disappeared. Local reports suggest he may have been pushed off a boat, a fate that remains unconfirmed to this day.

In response to Nyong’o’s criticisms, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura defended the administration’s actions. He stated,

“Only police statistics are official. The government regrets any death that occurred during the protests and anyone who may have caused such will be held responsible following the rule of law.”

Mwaura also highlighted recent political developments, including the incorporation of ODM politicians into the government in July, as part of efforts to address protesters’ concerns.

Beyond her political commentary, Lupita Nyong’o is making waves with her storytelling podcast, “Mind Your Own.” The series aims to explore the diverse experiences of Africans through entertaining real-life tales, featuring contributors from various countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Nyong’o emphasized her intention to showcase a different side of Africa, stating,

“I think that all too often we can be narrow about our idea of what is African… I wanted to stay away from the hot button issues that are in the news, that are making it across the globe, because those already exist.”

The actress has made a concerted effort to involve African creatives in the project, from the cover art by Mozambican artist Mateus Sithole to the theme song by Nigerian-American musician Sandra Lawson-Ndu.

“I really wanted to have as many African hands touch this project as possible,” Nyong’o explained, underlining her commitment to authentic representation.

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