President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a goodwill message to Kenya’s actress Lupita Nyong’o in her contest to win the Best Supporting Actress award in Los Angeles Monday morning.
The President in the message posted on his official website Sunday said the ‘12 Years A Slave’ actress accomplishment “testifies not only to her stupendous talent, but also determination and a willingness to go that extra mile which success unfailingly demands”.
“I join millions of Kenyans and worldwide fans to congratulate and support Lupita Nyong’o as she confronts one of the biggest nights in her career so far,” said Mr Kenyatta of the event held on Sunday night (Monday morning Kenyan time).
The President said through her role in the movie, Lupita had told one of the most haunting stories from a time when the Black person was a “mere chattel, to be disposed of at the will of an improvident white owner in transactions then recognized in law as legitimate”.
The President said, “I hope that Lupita wins the recognition that she so richly deserves for her scintillating role. I also believe that the fact that Lupita is where she is today -on the cusp of a truly unique accomplishment – is already a massively gratifying milestone”.
We are grateful that we got to see Lupita
Mr Uhuru said he was proud of the actress, a young Kenyan who had the opportunity to make her contribution to Black Awareness, and just to tell an excellent human story magnificently.
“Her role is indelible, and her gift indubitable. We are grateful that we got to see Lupita, one of our very own, shine so impeccably, and own the global stage so imperiously,” he added in his message.
The Head of State said the youth in Kenya had been inspired by Lupita’s success adding that the Jubilee government had made the promotion of Arts and Talent, a key pledge that must be delivered.
Progress, Mr Kenyatta, said had been made to ensure that many young Kenyans would have access to funding for artistic projects, including film and drama.
“It is our intention that Lupita becomes the first of an endless line of Oscar nominees and winners from Africa and Kenya,” he added.
“I therefore wish Lupita and her proud family all the best tonight. May this be the beginning of many splendid achievements,” the President said.
