Obama’s Half Sister Tear-Gassed During Protests in Kenya. Auma Obama, an older half-sister of former President Barack Obama, found herself in the midst of chaos on Tuesday as she was tear-gassed during a live interview. The incident occurred during widespread protests in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, against the recent passage of a controversial finance bill. This bill, which has ignited significant public outrage, proposes substantial tax increases on many basic goods, impacting the daily lives of ordinary Kenyans.
The protests saw thousands of demonstrators take to the streets, carrying placards and chanting slogans against the government’s decision. Ms. Obama, who has long been a vocal advocate for social justice and community development in Kenya, was among them. As she marched with the protesters, a reporter approached her to capture her perspective on the unfolding events.
“I am here because — look at what’s happening,” she began, passionately explaining her presence at the protest. “Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They are demonstrating with flags and banners.”
Her words were a poignant reminder of the deep-seated frustrations among many Kenyans, particularly the youth, who feel increasingly marginalized and burdened by economic hardships.
However, the interview took a dramatic turn as police began deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds. The scene quickly became chaotic. A thick cloud of tear gas enveloped the area, causing Ms. Obama and many others to choke and struggle to breathe. “I can’t even see anymore,” she said, her voice breaking as she tried to continue speaking to the reporter. “We are being tear-gassed.”
The use of tear gas, a common tactic employed by police during protests, underscores the tension and volatility of the situation in Nairobi. The protests have been marked by a heavy-handed response from law enforcement, with reports of tear gas, water cannons, and even live ammunition being used against demonstrators. According to several civic groups, at least five people have been killed and 31 others wounded in the ensuing violence.
Ms. Obama’s involvement in the protests highlights her deep commitment to advocacy and community work in Kenya. Having grown up in the country, she later pursued her studies and lived abroad in Germany and the United Kingdom. Despite her international experiences, she chose to return to Kenya to dedicate herself to grassroots activism and social development. Her foundation, Sauti Kuu, which means “Powerful Voices” in Swahili, focuses on empowering children and young people, particularly those from urban slums and rural communities.
Through Sauti Kuu, Ms. Obama has worked tirelessly to provide educational opportunities, life skills training, and support for economic independence to young people in Kenya.
The finance bill at the center of the protests has been a source of contention since it was first introduced. Critics argue that the proposed tax increases on basic goods such as fuel, food, and other essentials will disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class citizens, exacerbating the already high cost of living. The government, however, maintains that the bill is necessary to raise revenue for development projects and to address the country’s fiscal deficit.
The incident involving Ms. Obama has particularly resonated, given her high-profile status and her efforts to shine a light on the plight of Kenya’s most vulnerable populations.
