Barack Obama’s Sister, Auma Obama, Hit With Tear Gas During Live Interview Amid Protests In Kenya

Auma Obama, the half-sister of former President Barack Obama, was hit with tear gas during a live interview amid the protests in Nairobi, Kenya.

On June 25, CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo spoke with Auma during violent protests in Kenya, which included police firing live rounds and tear gas on protesters attempting to storm Parliament to protest legislation known as Finance Bill 2024.

The bill would raise an additional $2.7 billion in taxes at a time when many Kenyan citizens are struggling with poverty.

At least five people were killed in clashes with police, and dozens more had been injured.

“I’m here because look at what’s happening,” Auma told Madowo. “Young Kenyans, who are demonstrating for their rights, they’re demonstrating with flags and banners.”

“I can’t even see anymore!” she added. “They’re being tear-gassed!”

She started coughing along with the other activists around her while tear gas filled the air.

The correspondent also began coughing as the group moved away from the smoke before cutting the feed.

“I can’t believe that these young people are just trying to demonstrate for their rights,” Auma said.

Later on, she asked the police how they could “tear gas” their “own people.”

“Listen to them,” she pleaded. “Listen to these children; they’re the future. They’re 80% of our population. 80%. If they decided to turn against us, they can. And that is what they’re doing now.”

Madowo later on reported that he and Auma had trouble breathing after they were hit with tear gas.

Journalists reported discovering several bodies after the police opened fire.

The Kenya Medical Association mentioned that at least five people were shot dead while treating the injured and that 31 people were injured, with 13 shot with live bullets and four with rubber bullets.

Kenya International Amnesty said that 12 people were “abducted in the middle of the night” ahead of the protests.

Demonstrators stormed the Parliament, sending legislators fleeing, and parts of the building had been set on fire to protest the finance bill.

Kenya President William Ruto said he hopes to have a “conversation” with protesters.

“I am very proud of our young people … they have stepped forward peaceful and I want to tell them we are going to engage them,” Ruto said in a speech this week.

Auma is a sociologist, community activist and Kenyan writer who founded the Sauti Kuu Foundation, an organization committed to helping financially and socially disadvantaged children.

She is the daughter of Barack Obama Sr. and his first wife, Kezia, and is a year older than her half-brother.

On July 15, 2018, former President Obama went to Kenya for the first time since leaving office to help launch a sports and training center founded by Auma’s foundation.