As the “7 Days of Rage” in Kenya continues to go on in response to a recently passed tax hike as a part of the Finance Bill 2024 that prompted outrage from Kenyans, former President Barack Obama’s half-sister and activist Auma Obama was unfortunately caught in the crossfire.
In live footage aired on Tuesday on CNN, Auma was seen being teargassed alongside a group of protestors out in the streets. When initially approached for an interview by anchor Larry Madowo live on the ground, Auma and the group were immediately imbued with tear gas, causing them to seek respite elsewhere in order to finish the rest of their conversation.
“I am here because look at what’s happening, young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They’re demonstrating with flags and banners, I can’t even see anymore. We are being tear gassed,” she said in between a coughing fit before she, the anchor, and the group moved away to try to escape the gas.
After a short break to somewhat regain her composure, Auma continued:
“I can’t believe that these young people are trying to demonstrate for their rights, I came to join them...to tell them that we understand that they need to use their voices and we’re being tear gassed. We’re being tear gassed, we have flags and banners. Nothing else! Nothing else! These young people have nothing else! Just flags and banners, the Kenyan flag. How can you tear gas your own people? Listen to them! Listen to the children, they’re 80 percent of our population. 80percent! If they decided to turn against us, they can! And that is what they’re doing now so please listen to these young people.”
As previously reported by the AP, thousands of protestors took to Kenya’s parliament to object to the passing of the finance bill, burning part of the building and prompting police involvement. As of Tuesday, five people were reported dead while more than 30 were injured. The Kenya Human Rights Commission has called on Kenyan President William Ruto to put an end to the violence against protestors. The passing of this bill comes amid nationwide frustrations over inflation and high cost of living.
Later on Tuesday, Auma seemed to be fairing OK, telling a user who asked about her well-being on X/Twitter: “Thank you for asking, Am good[sic].” She also noted that her half-brother checked in on her to make sure she was good.