Kenyan activist Auma Obama, the half-sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama, was among protesters tear-gassed on Tuesday during demonstrations outside the parliament building in Nairobi, a CNN interview showed.
Police opened fire on demonstrators trying to storm Kenya's legislature on Tuesday, with at least five protesters killed, dozens wounded and sections of the parliament building set ablaze as lawmakers inside passed legislation to raise taxes.
Auma Obama was taken aside in the melee by a CNN reporter and asked why she was there.
"I'm 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," she said, beginning to cough and shield her eyes from the spreading smoke.
"We are being tear-gassed."
A man behind her carried a sign reading, "Colonialism never ended in Kenya," while another yelled, "This is our country. This is our nation."
Auma Obama earlier posted photos of herself on Twitter at the protest.
The office of former President Obama said it had no immediate comment on the incident involving Auma Obama or the violence in Kenya.
Latest Stories
-
Video: JoyNews Exclusive with Richard Jakpa on ambulance procurement deal”
14 mins -
Finance Ministry defends GH₵339m released for National Cathedral project
15 mins -
Until the law-making process is exhausted, judiciary can’t order Parliament – Bagbin
22 mins -
Accra-Tema motorway gridlock persists 12 hours after truck accident
39 mins -
I never saw the supposed ‘dismissal letter’ from Defence Ministry until it surfaced in court – Jakpa
51 mins -
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko: Using mobile money to buy and sell across Africa – a fast track to economic integration
52 mins -
My cousin did nothing out of the ordinary when he bailed me; he was just seeking justice – Jakpa
1 hour -
Real estate developers burdened with debts amid price hikes – GREDA
1 hour -
We want to know everything about proposed Free SHS bill – Angel Carbonu
2 hours -
Ghanaian youth are being taken for granted – NSS Association scribe
2 hours -
NSMQ2024: St. Hubert Sem. SHS stuns 2 Wesleyan schools with 70-point win
2 hours -
Bagbin urges Trade Minister to withdraw proposed L.I. to regulate cement prices
3 hours -
Kenya unrest: Political maneuvering shouldn’t blind us to reality of public expectation – Afenyo-Markin
3 hours -
Electoral Commission reschedules 2024 voters exhibition exercise
4 hours -
NHIA to seek Attorney General’s advise on mandatory health insurance for foreigners
4 hours