Oscar award winning Kenyan actor Lupita Nyong’o has waded into her country’s murky politics ahead of the August general elections, drumming up support for her father’s gubernatorial bid.
Lupita’s dad, Anyang’ Nyong’o, is the current senator of Kisumu county, but is running to become governor in the upcoming polls.
In a short video posted across her social media platforms, the 12 Years A Slave actor began by thanking her father, saying she made it where she is because of him.
“You have supported me all my life and I’M where I am because of you and mommy,” she says.
Anyan’g has been active in Kenya’s politics for over 20 years.
Lupita says in the video that she backs her father’s bid because of his passion for creating a better Kenya.
“All my life, I have witnessed your unwavering passion for creating a better Kenya, even when it was a thankless task,” she says.
“If there was anything you have taught me, that I have learned from you, it’s to never let a dream die on the vine,” she said. “You have dreamed for a brighter future for Kisumu County. May you get the opportunity to see that dream bear fruit,” she added.
Kenya is currently engrossed in party politics as the various parties go to the ballot to nominate candidates for the upcoming elections.
Most of the party primaries have however been marred by violent scenes, with supporters of various candidates across the country involved in physical fights over the process.
The ruling Jubilee Alliance Party and the main opposition Orange Democratic Party had to cancel most of their nominations due to the spate of violence experiences through the week.
The country’s election authority has set a 26 April deadline for the submission of party contestants in the August vote.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will be seeking a second term in office, and will be up against a unity coalition.
Here’s a link to the video from Lupita to her dad;
https://www.facebook.com/LupitaNyongo/videos/1328499817231915/
