Lupita Nyong'o uses her podcast, Mind Your Own, to shine a light on Kenya's anti-tax protests, highlighting both historical and current struggles against government oppression.
Lupita Nyong'o Amplifies Voices on Kenyan Crisis in New Podcast
Lupita Nyong'o Amplifies Voices on Kenyan Crisis in New Podcast
Oscar-winning actress shares personal family tribulations amid ongoing unrest in Kenya.
Actress Lupita Nyong'o has spoken out against the violent suppression of anti-tax demonstrations in Kenya, condemning the government for what she calls "chilling" tactics reminiscent of past oppressive regimes. In a recent BBC interview, Nyong'o, who is of Kenyan heritage, expressed deep concern over the authorities' response to protests that erupted in June over controversial tax measures.
Her father, Anyang' Nyong'o, a political figure and current county governor in Kenya, has a poignant history of political oppression, having faced imprisonment and torture during former President Daniel arap Moi's regime. Nyong'o lamented that such oppressive tactics are not relics of the past. She recalled how her family was forced to flee Kenya to Mexico after a family member disappeared under the former oppressive regime. Although now residing in the US, Nyong'o's ties to Kenya remain strong, as does her support for the protesters seeking change.
In a response to accusations of brutality, Kenyan government spokesman Isaac Mwaura stated that the authorities cooperated with demonstrators and regretted the violence. Despite governmental efforts to appease tensions by involving opposition politicians in decision-making processes, Nyong'o remains skeptical about long-term improvements.
In her storytelling podcast, Mind Your Own, the actress delves into her father's ordeals, weaving his narrative into a broader exploration of African identity. Nyong'o intentionally steers away from widely covered negative narratives, opting instead to highlight lesser-known but compelling stories across the African continent. Her podcast underscores that while the continent's stories are varied and evolving, the struggle to reshape them is ongoing.
By involving African creatives and focusing on unique tales, Nyong'o aims to present a diverse perspective of Africa. Mind Your Own aims to challenge stereotypes and broaden understanding, but Nyong'o acknowledges that no single project can encapsulate the vast diversity of African experiences. Yet, through personal and universal stories, Nyong'o hopes to fuel a continuing dialogue about justice and identity across the continent.
Her father, Anyang' Nyong'o, a political figure and current county governor in Kenya, has a poignant history of political oppression, having faced imprisonment and torture during former President Daniel arap Moi's regime. Nyong'o lamented that such oppressive tactics are not relics of the past. She recalled how her family was forced to flee Kenya to Mexico after a family member disappeared under the former oppressive regime. Although now residing in the US, Nyong'o's ties to Kenya remain strong, as does her support for the protesters seeking change.
In a response to accusations of brutality, Kenyan government spokesman Isaac Mwaura stated that the authorities cooperated with demonstrators and regretted the violence. Despite governmental efforts to appease tensions by involving opposition politicians in decision-making processes, Nyong'o remains skeptical about long-term improvements.
In her storytelling podcast, Mind Your Own, the actress delves into her father's ordeals, weaving his narrative into a broader exploration of African identity. Nyong'o intentionally steers away from widely covered negative narratives, opting instead to highlight lesser-known but compelling stories across the African continent. Her podcast underscores that while the continent's stories are varied and evolving, the struggle to reshape them is ongoing.
By involving African creatives and focusing on unique tales, Nyong'o aims to present a diverse perspective of Africa. Mind Your Own aims to challenge stereotypes and broaden understanding, but Nyong'o acknowledges that no single project can encapsulate the vast diversity of African experiences. Yet, through personal and universal stories, Nyong'o hopes to fuel a continuing dialogue about justice and identity across the continent.
