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By Kevine Omollo
Kisumu, Kenya: Barkorwa Village in Seme, Kisumu County was engulfed with joy as residents celebrated their girl Lupita Nyong’o who won the best supporting actress in the nineteenth Oscar awards.
The residents congratulated Lupita on her ‘woman strength’ which enabled her to conquer the world of theatre with her role in the play “12 Years a Slave”.
Denis Osiro, an electrician from the village described Lupita as a social girl who meant good for the village and the entire nation.
“We are waiting for her so that we celebrate her with a flashy home coming welcome. We hope she will use the knowledge and experience she has to bring up local actors who will take her place in the future,” said the jovial Osiro.
Even though not much activity was spotted at Lupita’s home, the residents said members of her family had gone to witness the event in Los Angeles but they were waiting to receive her.
“I have never got an opportunity to meet her but I follow her steps keenly since her outburst in the film industry. This is the right time to meet her,” said a resident.
Eunice Osuka, an aunt to Lupita who was on her normal domestic chores said she has never interacted much with the world’s best actress but she hopes bagging the award will enable the 31-year old daughter of Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o be available soon.
Governor Jack Ranguma who joined the residents and millions of Kenyans in congratulating her said Lupita’s win has demonstrated that all is possible and acts as an encouragement to all our youth pursuing similar talents in the country.
“This is a win for Kenya and for Africa as well, being the first Kenyan to be nominated and to win an Oscar Award. It has put Kisumu and Kenya on the World map,” said Ranguma.
Ranguma said the county government will involve the actress in strengthening art in the county as she has demonstrated hard work and intelligence.
“She has an amazing talent and this enabled her to participate in telling the African story. Much is yet to be told and we believe more Kenyans will come out and do it,” he added.