Dorothy Nyong'o Is Lupita Nyong'o's Mother: Every Detail About Her

Dorothy Nyong’o has done well not just as a healthcare advocate, but also as a proud mother and first lady of Kisumu County in Kenya
The mother of the Academy Award-winning actress, Lupita Nyong’o has received a couple of awards including the 2010 Harem School of Arts for the Visionary Lineage Award for the role she has played in good education and women empowerment
Her husband, Peter Nyong’o is the current governor of Kisumu County and a professor of Political Science

Dorothy Nyong’o has received quite a number of awards in recognition for her efforts as a health advocate and also for empowering women in society.

To add to that, she is the proud mother of the Academy Award-winning actress, Lupita Nyong’o and also the wife of the current governor of Kisumu County, Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o.

Mama Kisumu as she is fondly called has worked as a consultant for several organizations including international and national NGOs like International Parenthood Kenya and Family Health Options Kenya. As a healthcare advocate, she is currently the managing trustee and a board member of the Africa Cancer Foundation.

Dorothy Nyong’o is a graduate of United States International University (USIU)

After attending Pangani Girls High School in the 1970s, the Kisumu first lady went ahead to earn a postgraduate diploma in Mass Communications and later a BA Hons in French and Political Science from the University of Nairobi.

She also holds an Executive MSc in Organisational Development from the United States International University, Nairobi.

Her Family Fled Kenya During the Reign of Daniel Arap Moi

During her third year of undergraduate in the University of Nairobi, Dorothy’s husband spotted her while he was also teaching at the University of Nairobi. The two married two years after they both met.

Her husband and his brother, Charles Ngong’o left Kenya in 1980 barely two years after Mr. Moi came into power. While the professor landed in Mexico with his family, his brother mysteriously disappeared never to be found again. At that time, Dorothy only had one child.

By the time they settled in Mexico, Peter Nyong’o got a job as a visiting lecturer in political science at El Colegio de Mexico. However, shortly after Lupita was born, The Nyong’o family returned to Kenya in 1987.

Upon their return to Kenya, Dorothy and her family went into hiding and later moved from place to place because her husband was involved in setting up an underground democratic party and oftentimes, members of the family are threatened.

Dorothy Nyong’o Has Five Other Children Aside from the Award-Winning Actress

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Dorothy Nyong’o reportedly has a relatively large family. Her marriage with the former senator has produced six children who are all thriving in their careers even though the name of the sixth child is not available. Here’s all you need to know about all her children:

1. Zawadi Nyong’o

Zawadi is said to be the eldest child of the family. She is the CEO OF 7th Sense Communications and also a digital media strategist. She is also a creative director at Zero by Zawadi. She is currently 44 years old.

2. Lupita Nyong’o

Born March 1st, 1983, Lupita Nyong’o is obviously the most famous of them all. The Kenyan-Mexican actress has applauded her parents for harnessing her acting skills since a tender age.

The actress has received several accolades including a daytime Emmy award, four NAACP Image Awards, two screen actors Guild Awards, and tons of nominations. Lupita is reportedly the first African actor to bag the Oscar awards and the second African woman and ninth black woman to be on the cover of Vogue in July 2014.

In March 2020, Dorothy’s second daughter appeared on Africa’s 50′ Most Powerful Women list by Forbes.

3. Fiona Nyong’o

Fiona Nyong’o is a consultant who has worked as a volunteer with Africa Cancer Foundation in 2011 and 2012. She has worked as a part-time and full-time volunteer and has assisted in identifying and applying grants and other fundraising initiatives. she also oversees and manages projects such as cancer screenings and cancer awareness events.

4. Esperanza Wamoni Nyong’o

The multitalented daughter of the first citizens of Kisumu County may not be as popular as her big sister, Lupita, but she has surely made a name for herself in being active in sports in Kenya.

Esperanza Wamoni Nyong’o, currently married to Nyabiya Masesa Dadi, is said to be passionate about creating an enabling professional environment for sportsmen and women like her in Kenya.

Esperanza studied International Business Administration at United States International University where she played in the ladies’ football team. She also has a master of business administration, sports management from Universidad Europea.

5. Peter “Junior” Nyong’o

Peter F. Nyong’o is a 2012 graduate of St. Andrew’s School. While in high school, he played soccer, basketball, rugby, hockey, and cricket. His performance later earned him the model UN President’s award. He played soccer at Stetson University while studying.

Dorothy’s son is also an actor, musician, model, and DJ. He is known for his unique and unusual dressing style. Based on reports, Peter junior shares a strong bond with his big sister, Lupita.

He has been married to Wanja Wohoro since 2020.

Dorothy Nyong’o’ Has Had a Close Encounter With Cancer

Mama Kisumu’s husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010. Being the managing trustee of Africa Cancer Foundation, she has used her position to create awareness on the prevention, management, and treatment of cancer in Nyanza. With this, she hopes and believes that the foundation will help Africa become cancer-free.

Her husband on the other hand served as senator from 2013 to 2017 and has been credited with actively engaging in the movement for Kenya’s second liberation during the KANU regime.

Two of Dorothy’s Daughters Were Allegedly Abused While Growing Up

According to reports, Dorothy Nyong’o first and second daughters revealed they were both abused sexually while growing up. The vocal gender activist and author, Zawadi revealed on Facebook while speaking against rape and abuse that she was sexually abused at the age of 12. This revelation was allegedly made a couple of days after her sister, Lupita had revealed she was sexually preyed on by Hollywood filmmaker, Harvey Weinstein.

Dorothy Nyong’o Has Received Quite a Number of Awards

During the 2010 Harem School of Arts for the Visionary Lineage Award, the mother of six was recognized alongside other extraordinary black women who have served as advocates for the importance of arts education.

In 2019, she received the Harvard Global Health Cancer Advocacy Champion Award at Harvard University in 2019. Also, in June 2021 Dorothy Nyong’o was feted at the Woman of Magnitude Award (WOMA) at a ceremony in New York.

Aside from the awards, she has been credited for inspiring her daughter’s role in the movie, The Jungle Book.

What Is Her Net Worth?

Based on reports, Nyong’o does not have any specific net worth yet. However, that of her famed daughter has been made available. The 42 year-old actress has an estimated net worth of $10 million thanks to her successful acting and model career.