Lupita Nyong'o Criticizes "Chilling" Kenyan Government Crackdown

Lupita Nyong'o has publicly condemned the violent response by Kenyan authorities to anti-tax protests, recalling her own family's history of suffering under past administrations. As demonstrators face police brutality in Kenya, Nyong'o reflects on her father's imprisonment and torture during President Moi's regime. The acclaimed actress, who now resides in the U.S., voiced her concerns during an interview about her podcast, "Mind Your Own," highlighting her pursuit of untold African stories.

Nyong'o's criticism comes as rights groups report killings and abductions amidst the protests, drawing parallels to her family's forced relocation to Mexico after political persecution. Kenyan officials have dismissed comparisons between Moi's rule and the current administration, yet Nyong'o remains dismayed by the government's actions. Despite joining forces with the opposition to quell unrest, the government's response has attracted scrutiny.

Her storytelling podcast, crafted with African creatives, captures narratives beyond conventional perceptions, aiming to celebrate diverse African experiences. Nyong'o emphasizes resilience and the importance of these stories as a foundation for future understanding and change across the continent.