Auma Obama, half-sister of former President Barack Obama, was tear-gassed on live TV during a protest in Kenya. The incident occurred as Auma joined thousands of demonstrators opposing the 2024 Finance Bill, which proposes significant tax increases.
Protests Turn Violent
The protests in Kenya have been growing since the Finance Bill was introduced. The bill aims to reduce the country’s $80 billion debt but has sparked outrage among citizens struggling with high inflation and cost of living. Auma Obama, a prominent activist, was in the midst of the protest when teargas was deployed.
In an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, Auma shared her thoughts on the bill and the protest. As the interview progressed, viewers could see teargas canisters landing nearby. “I can’t even see anymore, we’re being teargassed,” Auma said through loud coughs. The interview ended abruptly as the protestors, including Auma, fled to safety.
Auma Obama Protesting Human Rights Violations
Amnesty International Kenya, the Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group Kenya released a joint statement condemning the violence. “Despite the assurance by the Government that the right to assembly would be protected and facilitated, today’s protests have spiraled into violence,” the statement read. The organizations reported multiple human rights violations, with five protestors fatally shot by police in Nairobi.
Auma Obama expressed her dismay at the violent response. “I can’t believe that these young people are just trying to demonstrate for their rights,” she told CNN. “We have flags and banners, nothing else. We’re being tear-gassed!”
The protests have seen widespread participation, particularly from young people who feel betrayed by President William Ruto’s unfulfilled promises of economic relief. Using the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024, they have mobilized support via social media.
Call for Change
The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared videos of police firing at protestors and deploying teargas. They have called on President Ruto to “end repression of peaceful protestors.” Faith Odhiambo, president of the Kenya Law Society, condemned the abductions of protestors by police and accused the government of violating human rights.
Through tears, Auma Obama urged Kenyan leaders to listen to the young protestors. “How can you tear-gas your own people?” she asked. “Listen to them. Listen to these children, they’re the future.”