Former United States President Barack Obama’s sister, Rita Auma, was tear-gassed by police officers while protesting in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday.
During a live interview with CNN, Auma narrowly evaded a tear gas canister, forcing her to seek safety alongside fellow protesters.
Amid the chaos, Auma was seen engulfed in tear gas smoke as she attempted to continue the interview but was eventually overwhelmed by the effects of the gas, compelling her to halt the coverage.
She was pictured holding a placard and covering her face with a mask, flanked by a group of demonstrators.
She could then be seen marching through the streets of Nairobi city as she protested against the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
“I am here because of what is happening, you Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights, they are demonstrating with flags and banners," Auma remarked before rushing away as police lobbed more tear gas canisters on demonstrators.
" I can't even see anymore. I have been tear-gassed!” she decried.
While demonstrating in the city centre, Auma accused the government of failing to heed the cries of Kenyan youths, who had come out in large numbers to oppose the contentious tax measures.
This development comes amidst intense demonstrations within Nairobi’s CBD, as protestors threaten to storm the parliament buildings. However, police officers on high alert intervened by deploying tear gas to disperse the protestors and stop their procession to the Bunge Towers.
The demonstrators accused the police of using excessive force, citing the use of tear gas despite their peaceful anti-tax protests.
“Police in this country are puppets. They are following Ruto’s orders. We are young people, and we are tired of this nation," noted a protestor.
This is What Killed Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve News Just In
