On August 17th, 2021, 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,” Obama told Madowo as explosions could be heard in the background. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They’re demonstrating with flags and banners.” She went on to explain that she was there supporting the young people of her country who were standing up against injustice and corruption.
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.
Madowo also began wheezing, and the group began to disperse from the smoke before the feed was interrupted.
Kenya International Amnesty has also raised concerns regarding the disappearance of 12 individuals who were “abducted in the middle of the night” before the protests, in addition to the known deaths. William Ruto, the President of Kenya, has expressed his eagerness to engage in a “conversation” with demonstrators.
I am very proud of our young people,” he said this week. They have stepped forward peacefully and I want to tell them we are going to engage them.” He went on to acknowledge the frustration that many Kenyans feel towards their government, but expressed hope for a conversation that would lead to progress.
Mediaite reported: “Madowo later reported both he and Obama were ‘struggling to breathe’ after being hit with tear gas. Obama is an activist and the founder of the Sauti Kuu Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping financially and socially disadvantaged children.
WATCH.
