Actress Lupita Nyong’o has openly condemned the Kenyan government for its heavy-handed response to mass protests against controversial tax measures, which erupted in June. The demonstrations, triggered by widespread discontent over new tax policies, have been met with a forceful crackdown by the authorities. Rights groups report that dozens of protesters have been killed, and many others abducted or injured, sparking national and international outrage.
Nyong’o, a Kenyan-born, Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in 12 Years a Slave and Black Panther, expressed her dismay in an interview with the BBC. She drew personal parallels with Kenya’s dark political history, noting that her father, Anyang’ Nyong’o, was jailed and tortured during the repressive regime of former President Daniel arap Moi. ‘It is chilling to know that this government is resorting to tactics I thought had been left in the past,’ she said, clearly upset by the echoes of her family’s painful experiences during Moi’s autocratic rule.
The government responded to these criticisms by stating that it was inappropriate to compare Kenya’s current administration with that of Moi, noting that they were ‘two very different’ systems. Isaac Mwaura, a spokesperson for the government, stated that they ‘regret any death that occurred’ during the protests but downplayed accusations of widespread brutality, insisting that only official police statistics should be considered.
Nyong’o, however, was not reassured by the government’s response. She described the situation as ‘upsetting,’ saying, ‘The more things change, the more they stay the same. I don’t know how this story ends.’ She expressed concern for the safety and rights of the protesters, who, in her view, are fighting for a different and more just Kenya.
Historical context and family legacy
Lupita Nyong’o’s condemnation is deeply personal. Her father, Anyang’ Nyong’o, is currently a governor in Kenya and serves as a prominent figure in the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). During the 1980s, as a political science professor, Anyang’ Nyong’o was part of a group of intellectuals who opposed Moi’s oppressive regime. Moi, who ruled Kenya from 1978 to 2002, used harsh tactics to crush dissent, imprisoning and torturing political opponents, academics, and activists.
The Nyong’o family was deeply affected by Moi’s authoritarian rule. Lupita’s uncle, also a political activist, mysteriously disappeared, and the family believes he was murdered by being pushed off a boat. Fearing for their safety, Lupita’s parents fled to Mexico, where she was born, before eventually returning to Kenya after Moi’s regime weakened.
Despite her move to the US and global fame, Nyong’o has remained closely connected to her Kenyan roots and regularly speaks out on matters of social justice in her homeland. She expressed her gratitude for the younger generation of protesters in Kenya, who she believes are continuing the struggle for a more equitable society. ‘I am deeply grateful for the younger people who are on the front lines, fighting for a different Kenya,’ Nyong’o told the BBC, praising their courage and determination.
Protests and government response
The protests in Kenya began in June 2024, following the introduction of controversial tax measures proposed by President William Ruto’s administration. The new finance bill, which includes significant tax hikes, sparked widespread anger, particularly among lower-income Kenyans who were already struggling with the rising cost of living. As tensions escalated, the government deployed security forces to suppress the protests, which led to violent confrontations in major cities like Nairobi and Kisumu.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have accused the Kenyan police of using excessive force, including tear gas, batons, and live ammunition, against unarmed demonstrators. Despite these accusations, government officials maintain that the security forces acted within the law and that any incidents of misconduct will be thoroughly investigated.
Isaac Mwaura, the government spokesperson, defended the administration’s actions, stating that they had met some of the protesters’ demands, including halting the implementation of parts of the finance bill. “The authorities were very cooperative with the protesters,” Mwaura said, adding that any loss of life is regrettable and those responsible will be held accountable according to the rule of law.
Podcast reflects African stories
Lupita Nyong’o’s recent comments come alongside the release of her new podcast, Mind Your Own, a series that aims to highlight real-life stories from across Africa. In an episode titled The Freedom Fathers, Nyong’o shares her father’s harrowing experience under Moi’s regime, reflecting on how political oppression has shaped her family’s history and continues to influence the nation’s struggles today.
The podcast, produced by Snap Studios, features a range of African storytellers from countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and across the diaspora. Nyong’o explained that her goal was to move away from the typical narratives of conflict, disaster, and poverty that often dominate discussions about Africa. Instead, she sought to explore the ‘quirky’ and ‘peculiar’ experiences of ordinary Africans facing extraordinary situations.
‘Africa is often narrowly defined in global conversations, and I wanted to tell stories that capture the rich, varied, and often unexpected experiences of people from the continent,’ Nyong’o said. While Mind Your Own touches on political themes in some episodes, like her father’s story, Nyong’o deliberately avoids making the podcast solely about politics or oppression, aiming instead to showcase a wide array of African life.
With contributions from African creatives, including Mozambican artist Mateus Sithole and Nigerian-American musician Sandra Lawson-Ndu, Nyong’o has ensured that the project reflects a genuine African perspective. ‘I wanted as many African hands to touch this project as possible,’ she said, emphasising that the podcast is “by and for Africans” while remaining inclusive to global audiences.
Though she acknowledges the impossibility of capturing the full breadth of Africa’s 54 countries in a single podcast, Nyong’o is committed to continuing to tell African stories. ‘There’s absolutely no way that I would try to give the ultimate or comprehensive thesis of Africa,’ she said. ‘But what we can do is keep telling our stories, because we’re never going to be done.’
Lupita Nyong’o’s comments on Kenya’s political climate, coupled with her efforts to amplify African stories through her podcast, highlight her ongoing dedication to social justice and cultural representation. Her condemnation of the government’s handling of the protests reflects a broader frustration with the persistence of authoritarian tactics in a country that has long struggled for democratic reform. As Kenya faces growing unrest, Nyong’o’s voice adds to the call for meaningful change in her homeland.
Credit: BBC & Africabriefing
