Lupita Nyong'o expresses concern over crackdown on anti-govt protests, likens tactics to Moi's regime

Kenyan-born actress Lupita Nyong'o has expressed profound concern over the recent crackdown on anti-government protests in Kenya, drawing alarming parallels to the oppressive regime of former President Daniel Arap Moi.

In an interview with the BBC, Nyong'o emphasised the unsettling similarities between the current government's tactics and the suppression of dissent seen during Moi's rule.

The demonstrations, which began in June, were met with police brutality, resulting in dozens of deaths and numerous disappearances.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said 42 Kenyans died during the anti-government protests from June to August. However, his figures disputed the findings from Amnesty International and other Human Rights groups who placed the fatality figure at 61.

Nyong'o, whose father was jailed and tortured under Moi, told the BBC that the government's handling of the protests was "upsetting".

“It is chilling to know that this government is resorting to tactics that I had thought had been left in the past,” Nyong'o said, highlighting her unease with the current administration under President William Ruto.

Nyong'o, who grew up in Kenya but now resides in the United States, shared that her family has been significantly impacted by political repression. Her father, Anyang' Nyong'o, currently serves as the Kisumu County governor and has a history of activism against oppressive regimes.

She also recounted the tragic disappearance of her uncle, a political activist, during Moi's presidency. She said her family believes he was killed for his beliefs.

After the disappearance of her uncle, the family fled to Mexico. Her uncle's body has never been found, but according to local reports, the family believes he was pushed off a boat.

“We were not allowed to open the curtains, go to school, or keep any of his writings,” she recalled, reflecting on the fear and isolation her family endured during that time.

"The more things change. the more they stay the same... I don't know how this story ends," Nyong'o, who has starred in Hollywood hits like 12 Years a Slave and Black Panther said.

Admiration for Kenyan youths

She conveyed her admiration for the Kenyan youths for courageously advocating for change, stating.

“I am deeply grateful for the younger people who are on the front lines fighting for a different Kenya,” she said.

Meanwhile, the government has defended its actions regarding the recent protests, with Kindiki stating that the police managed the situation appropriately and asserting that there was no evidence of brutality.

The CS said the government does not have a policy on abductions and maintained that there is no proof linking the police to the disappearance of 132 Kenyans who remain missing.

"Myself, including the President, have made it clear that this administration does not condone abductions, extrajudicial killings, or enforced disappearances. It is unfair to attribute a policy of extrajudicial killings to us without evidence of any official pronouncements supporting such unlawful behaviour," Kindiki said while addressing Members of Parliament on September 26.

"If the police had not used lethal force during the invasion of Parliament, we would not have the Kenya we have today. The fact that a Kenyan was shot near police during the protests is not sufficient evidence to conclude that the police were responsible for the shootings."

Amnesty International condemned the level of violence and disregard for human rights during the protests, calling the situation unacceptable.

The organisation said the authorities had ample time to prepare for a peaceful demonstration, yet their response was characterised by excessive use of force.