Lupita Nyong'o slams Ruto's approach to Gen Z protests

Kenya's famous Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong'o has strongly criticised the government of President William Ruto for its handling of recent anti-government protests.

The demonstrations, which took place from June to August 2024, were largely sparked by public outrage over the Finance Bill, 2024 and the escalating cost of living.

The protests resulted in numerous deaths and disappearances, with Home Affairs Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki confirming 42 deaths, 132 missing persons and 1,208 arrests.

This official acknowledgment has intensified debate about the government's approach to dealing with the unrest.

In a candid interview with the BBC, Lupita draws disturbing parallels between the current political climate and the oppressive era of second president of Kenya, the late Daniel arap Moi.

But Lupita, an Oscar winner who grew up in Kenya, but now lives in the US, said the government's handling of the protests was “upsetting”.

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

The actress's father, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, was imprisoned and tortured during Moi's regime for his opposition to the government. 

Lupita expresses her dismay at the resurgence of tactics she had hoped had been consigned to history.

The Ruto government has come under intense domestic and international scrutiny for its handling of the protests.

Major cities across Kenya, including Nairobi, and Kisumu, witnessed chaotic scenes as police clashed with demonstrators.

The government's admission of protest-related deaths has been widely condemned.

Lupita expresses deep concern about Kenya's future and the uncertainty surrounding its democratic path.

Lupita's connection to the protests goes beyond political commentary and is rooted in personal experiences from her childhood.

She recounts the fear and confusion her family endured during her father's disappearance under Moi's rule, drawing parallels between these traumatic memories and the struggles of today's youths against a system they feel has failed them.

The 1980s were particularly difficult for the Nyong'o family. Lupita's uncle, also an activist, disappeared under mysterious circumstances and his body was never found.

The family believes he was killed because of his activism, a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the actress.

Lupita however expresses admiration for the courage of today's protesters, many of whom are part of the 'Gen-Z' movement.

"I am deeply grateful for the younger people who are on the front lines fighting for a different Kenya," she said of this generation's protesters.

She acknowledges their bravery and draws parallels with her father's generation of activists.