Lupita Nyong'o speaks of family ordeal and condemns 'chilling' Kenya crackdown

Lupita Nyong'o, the acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances, has recently voiced her concerns regarding the Kenyan government's response to the significant anti-tax protests that erupted in June. These protests have been marked by allegations of police brutality, with numerous reports from human rights organizations indicating that many demonstrators have lost their lives and others have gone missing. Nyong'o, whose own family has faced severe oppression in the past, expressed her dismay, stating, 'It is chilling to know that this government is resorting to tactics that I had thought had been left in the past. ' This statement reflects her deep concern about the current political climate in Kenya. In response to the criticism, the government has argued that it is unfair to compare the current administration with previous ones, expressing regret for any loss of life that occurred during the protests. However, Nyong'o, who was raised in Kenya and now resides in the United States, described the government's handling of the situation as 'upsetting. ' She poignantly remarked, 'The more things change, the more they stay the same. I don't know how this story ends,' highlighting her uncertainty about the future of her homeland. Nyong'o is not only a talented actress, having starred in films such as '12 Years a Slave' and 'Black Panther,' but she is also the daughter of Anyang' Nyong'o, who currently serves as a county governor in Kenya and is the acting leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a prominent political party in the country. In an effort to address the unrest, the governing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) included ODM politicians in the government in July, aiming to appease the protesters. Anyang' Nyong'o, a political science professor in the 1980s, was part of a group of academics who actively opposed the oppressive regime of former president Daniel arap Moi, who ruled Kenya from 1978 to 2002 with an iron fist, suppressing dissent and political opposition. The Nyong'o family has a painful history with the government; after Lupita's uncle, who was also an activist, mysteriously disappeared, the family was forced to flee to Mexico. They believe he was thrown off a boat, and his body has never been found. In light of the current protests, Lupita Nyong'o expressed her gratitude for the younger generation of Kenyans who are bravely fighting for a better future, stating, 'I am deeply grateful for the younger people who are on the front lines fighting for a different Kenya. ' Isaac Mwaura, the spokesperson for the current Kenyan government, responded to the protests by asserting that the authorities have been cooperative with demonstrators and have addressed their demands, including the president's decision not to approve the controversial finance bill that sparked the unrest. Mwaura emphasized that only police statistics are considered official regarding the deaths during the protests, reiterating the government's regret for any fatalities and assuring that those responsible will be held accountable under the law. Lupita Nyong'o, who was born in Mexico after her family fled Kenya, has shared her father's experiences in her podcast, 'Mind Your Own. ' In this podcast, she collaborates with other African storytellers to share engaging real-life stories that explore the diverse experiences of people from the continent. The series has featured narratives from various countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda. In an episode titled 'The Freedom Fathers,' Nyong'o recounts her father's struggles with political oppression. She intentionally chose to focus on unique and quirky stories rather than the more common themes of conflict and poverty, stating, 'I think that all too often we can be narrow about our idea of what is African. ' She aims to uncover lesser-known stories of ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. Although 'Mind Your Own' was produced by an American company, Nyong'o made a concerted effort to involve African creatives in the project. For instance, the podcast's cover art was designed by an artist she met in Mozambique, and the theme song was composed by Nigerian-American musician Sandra Lawson-Ndu. Nyong'o emphasized her desire to have as many African voices as possible contribute to the project, stating, 'I really wanted to have as many African hands touch this project as possible. ' She acknowledges the challenge of representing the entire continent, which consists of 54 countries, in a single podcast. 'There's absolutely no way that I would task myself in trying to give the ultimate or comprehensive thesis of Africa - that's crazy! ' she remarked. Nyong'o believes that Africa is as dynamic and diverse as its people, asserting, 'So we're never going to be done telling our own stories.