The half-sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama was attacked with tear gas live on air by the police while protesting a controversial tax bill in Kenya. The incident occurred while Auma Obama was being interviewed by CNN.
In a video recorded by the network's team during the live broadcast, Auma Obama said, "I can no longer see, we are being gassed." Auma, known as a British-Kenyan activist, added, "I am here because I am watching what is happening. Kenyan youth are protesting for their rights." She mentioned, "They are protesting with flags and banners," as Kenya witnesses widespread protests against proposed tax increases, which led to a planned "total shutdown" of the country. The protests sparked by the Finance Bill 2023 have united citizens under the banner "7 Days of Anger," signaling a period of ongoing unrest in the country.
President William Ruto stated that he wants to engage in dialogue with the protesters and that he is "proud" of them. Meanwhile, reports indicated that security forces have abducted prominent Kenyans, especially those with a large following on social media.
