Actress Lupita Nyong’o has spoken out against the violent crackdown by Kenyan authorities on anti-tax protests that erupted in June.
According to rights groups, the protesters faced police brutality, resulting in numerous deaths and abductions. This harsh response by the government has deeply concerned Nyong’o, whose father, Anyang’ Nyong’o, was imprisoned and tortured during the regime of former president Daniel Arap Moi.
Nyong’o, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in films like 12 Years a Slave and Black Panther, expressed her dismay at the government’s handling of the protests, stating that the tactics used are reminiscent of a dark past that she had hoped was behind the country.
In response to Nyong’o’s criticisms, the government defended its actions, claiming that it is not fair to compare the current administration with past regimes. However, Nyong’o remains resolute in her condemnation of the government’s approach to the protests, emphasizing the importance of standing up for a different future for Kenya.
Her father, Anyang’ Nyong’o, a prominent political figure in Kenya and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, has a history of activism dating back to the 1980s when he and other intellectuals challenged Moi’s oppressive rule.
The current government, in an attempt to ease tensions, brought ODM politicians into the fold, but the crackdown on protesters has raised concerns about the country’s commitment to democracy.
Nyong’o’s storytelling podcast, Mind Your Own, delves into personal stories and experiences from across the African continent, highlighting the diverse narratives that often go untold.
