Auma Obama, the half-sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama, was tear-gassed by police while protesting against a controversial finance bill in Kenya on Tuesday, June 25. The incident occurred during a live interview with CNN.
On-the-ground footage
A short clip shared on social media captures Auma Obama exclaiming, “I can’t even see anymore, we’re being teargassed.” She was visibly distressed but continued to speak out, saying, “I’m here because look at what’s happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They are demonstrating with flags and banners.”
Escalating violence
The protest took a violent turn as police opened fire on demonstrators after tear gas and water cannons failed to disperse the crowd. According to a rights group, at least five people were killed near parliament. Reuters journalists on the scene reported seeing bodies lying motionless amid the clashes.
A Reuters journalist counted the bodies of at least five protesters outside parliament, while paramedic Vivian Achista reported that at least 10 had been shot dead. Richard Ngumo, another paramedic, told Reuters that over 50 people had been wounded by gunfire, as he assisted in transporting injured protesters to ambulances.
Legislative progress
Despite the unrest, parliament approved the finance bill, moving it to a third reading by lawmakers. The next step is for the legislation to be sent to the president for signing. If the president has any objections, he can send the bill back to parliament.