Auma Obama Teargassed During Protests in Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya – Auma Obama, the half-sister of former US President Barack Obama, was teargassed live on air while protesting against Kenya’s controversial Finance Bill 2024. The incident happened during a chat with CNN’s Larry Madowo and a group of teenage protestors.
“I can’t even see anymore, we’re being teargassed,” Auma Obama said. The proposed tax hikes in the bill have led to widespread protests, including a ‘7 Days of Rage’ campaign.
Kenyan President William Ruto stated he is “proud” of the demonstrators and hopes to speak with them. However, security personnel have been accused of kidnapping well-known Kenyans, especially those with large social media followings. Amnesty International Kenya is investigating the abduction of up to 12 activists, including bloggers, content creators, human rights campaigners, doctors, and legislative staff members.
The protests coincide with Kenya’s rising international profile after US President Joe Biden designated the country as a “major non-NATO ally,” the first such designation for a sub-Saharan African country. This follows a major state visit to the White House in May, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
