Former President Obama’s sister said she was tear-gassed during a protest in Nairobi.
Auma Obama, a Kenyan activist and half-sister of the former president, was tear-gassed before speaking to CNN during a protest in the country.
“I can’t even see anymore, we’re being tear-gassed,” Obama told CNN as she rubbed her face with a towel.
She said she could not believe that protesters were being tear gassed, adding that “young people are just trying to demonstrate for their rights.”
CNN’s video footage shows a chaotic scene unfolding, with some protesters holding signs and wearing goggles and masks. The video showed CNN reporter Larry Madowo and the crew moved away from the area at the end of the clip to “escape that tear gas smoke.”
“I’m here because look at what’s happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They are demonstrating with flags and banners,” Obama said.
CNN reported that protesters are rallying under the banner of “7 Days of Rage” to oppose the Finance Bill 2024. The bill was passed later on Tuesday as demonstrators continued to rail against the bill.
The protest took a violent turn Tuesday afternoon as Kenyan authorities opened fire on protestors.
The New York Times reported that at least five people have died from gunshot wounds and more than 30 others were wounded, according a joint statement by Amnesty International and several prominent Kenyan civic organizations. That could not be independently confirmed by The Times.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission, an independent body, posted a video on X showing police firing their weapons as protesters marched toward them.
Kenya’s Red Cross said that its vehicles have been attacked and staff have been injured in the melee. “We can’t provide life-saving interventions without access and safety for our staff and volunteers,” it said in a statement.
State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller, said the United States condemned the violence in Kenya during a Tuesday press conference.
“We mourn the loss of life and injuries sustained and offer our condolences to the families who lost loved ones. We urge restraint to restore order and provide space for dialogue,” Miller said.
