Kenyan activist Auma Obama, who is also the half-sister of former US President Barack Obama, found herself amidst chaos and violence during protests outside the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday. Demonstrators clashed with police as they rallied against new tax laws, resulting in at least five deaths, numerous injuries, and parts of the parliament building set on fire.
In a CNN interview amid the unrest, Auma Obama expressed her presence at the protest, highlighting the plight of young Kenyans fighting for their rights amidst tear gas and escalating tensions. She struggled through smoke and tears to convey her support for the demonstrators, emphasizing their peaceful display with flags and banners.
“I’m here because – look at what’s happening,” she told the reporter, visibly affected by tear gas. “Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They’re demonstrating with flags and banners. I can’t even see anymore.”
Footage showed protesters carrying signs condemning colonialism and asserting their ownership of their country. Auma Obama had earlier shared images of herself at the protest on Twitter.
The office of former President Barack Obama did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident involving his sister or the broader unrest in Kenya.