Kenya protests: Fmr President Obama’s half sister tear-gassed during violent protests in Nairobi
Kenyan activist Auma Obama, half-sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama, was among the demonstrators tear-gassed by police during a protest outside Nairobi’s parliament building on Tuesday, as shown in a CNN interview.
The police fired on protesters attempting to storm the legislature, resulting in at least five deaths, numerous injuries, and parts of the parliament building set on fire. This occurred while lawmakers were passing legislation to increase taxes.
In the chaos, a CNN reporter asked Auma Obama why she was participating in the protest. “I’m here because—look at what’s happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights with flags and banners. I can’t even see anymore,” she said, coughing and shielding her eyes from the smoke. “We are being tear-gassed.”
Behind her, one protester held a sign reading, “Colonialism never ended in Kenya,” while another shouted, “This is our country. This is our nation.”
Auma Obama had earlier posted photos of herself at the protest on Twitter. The office of former President Obama had no immediate comment on the incident or the violence in Kenya.
