Dr. Auma Obama, the half-sister of former President Barack Obama, was subjected to tear gas, along with other demonstrators during a live CNN interview in Kenya.
Following the passage of the Finance Bill 2024, which includes tax increases, violent protests in the country have resulted in police firing live rounds at protesters attempting to storm Parliament. Larry Madowo of CNN spoke with Auma Obama during this period. Clashes with law enforcement have resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and the injuries of dozens more.
“I’m here because look at what’s happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They’re demonstrating with flags and banners,” Obama told Madowo as explosions could be heard in the background.
As tear gas permeated the air, Obama and the other activists surrounding her began coughing.
“I can’t even see anymore!” she said, coughing. “They’re being tear-gassed!”