Poem moves Lupita to tears

Hollywood star Lupita Nyong’o was moved to tears by a poem performed by primary school pupils when she visited her native Ratta Village in Kisumu County for the first time since winning coveted Oscar Award in 2014.

The 12 Years a Slave star arrived in Seme Wednesday morning and could not hold back tears when she listened to a choral verse on Kenya’s insecurity performed by pupils from Mariwa Primary School in Kisumu.

Lupita was in the company of her family members including her father, Kisumu Senator Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, mother, Dorothy Nyong’o and her grandmother Dorcas.

Residents thronged Ratta Primary School to at least catch a glimpse of the celebrated global movie powerhouse.

Girls from Lupita’s hometown got a chance to interact with the Hollywood phenomenon through a mentorship program organised by the Safaricom Foundation.

Performances from the pupils seemingly reminded Lupita of her journey in the theatre world as she wept and laughed in turns.

When she took to the stage to share words of encouragement with the girls, Lupita did not disappoint.

“You may be facing numerous challenges at home. Your parents could be poor or you could be living with relatives who are not supportive and feel alone in the world, let this not define you or your future. You were created to achieve more, and to be the best the world can have,” said the star with great passion.

The movie ace later on had a chance to eat a meal she misses a lot when she is in the US; ugali and fish.

Professor Nyong’o said the mentorship programme is aimed at reducing early marriages and school-drop outs in the region.