Barack Obama’s Sister Tear-Gassed

As riots broke out in Kenya’s capital today over proposed tax increases, one of the protestors spoke to CNN during a live interview.

“I’m here because look at what’s happening,” she told CNN,  “Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They are demonstrating with flags and banners.” Just moments later, she started coughing as she, along with other protestors were tear-gassed.

“I can’t even see anymore,” she said.

As it turns out, this woman was Barack Obama’s half-sister — Auma Obama, who is a Kenyan-British activist.

Watch for yourself here:

NEW: Barack Obama's sister tears up during a live CNN interview in Kenya.

The event occurred outside Kenya's capital as people opposed proposed tax increases.

Police reportedly opened fire on the demonstrators, and numerous bodies were observed outside the parliament.

"I'm… pic.twitter.com/w33ANuxuEJ

— DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) June 25, 2024

.@LarryMadowo is live on scene as protests over a controversial financial bill escalate in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.

He's been speaking to protesters on the ground, including Auma Obama – Barack Obama's sister: pic.twitter.com/12TOW2iR7e

— CNN International PR (@cnnipr) June 25, 2024

The Daily Beast reported:

Barack Obama’s half-sister was tear-gassed in the middle of a live interview with CNN amid protests in the Kenyan capital Tuesday.

Auma Obama, a Kenyan-British activist, showed up to support demonstrators taking part in nationwide protests against proposed tax hikes. Police opened fire with live ammunition and tear gas outside the parliament, with the chaos unfolding even as Obama tried to speak with CNN.

“I’m here because look at what’s happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They are demonstrating with flags and banners,” she said. Moments later, she began coughing along with fellow demonstrators as tear gas enveloped the group.

“I can’t even see anymore, we’re being tear-gassed,” she said.

Mediaite added:

Dr. Auma Obama, the half-sister of former President Barack Obama, was targeted with tear gas along with other demonstrators in Kenya during a live CNN interview.

CNN’s Larry Madowo spoke with Auma Obama amid violent protests in the country, which has included police firing live rounds on protesters trying to storm Parliament following legislation called Finance Bill 2024 that includes tax hikes being passed. At least five have been killed in clashes with police and dozens more were injured.

TMZ added some more background on the Kenyan protests:

Widespread protests are breaking out in Kenya, where citizens are pushing back against a controversial new finance bill, which includes proposed tax increases.

Reports out of Nairobi say police opened fire on protesters who tried to storm parliament after tear gas and water cannons failed to disperse crowds … with at least 5 people shot dead and dozens more wounded.Barack hasn’t addressed what happened to his sister just yet — but we know they’re close.