Auma Obama, Barack Obama's Half-Sister, Tear-Gassed During Live Interview in Nairobi

Auma Obama, the half-sister of former US President Barack Obama, was tear-gassed during a live interview with CNN on Tuesday amid protests in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The incident occurred as she was speaking with CNN correspondent Larry Madowo about the ongoing nationwide protests against proposed tax hikes.

The protests, which have been ongoing for several days, turned violent on Tuesday as police opened fire with live ammunition and tear gas outside the parliament building. Auma Obama, a Kenyan-British activist, was caught in the chaos, coughing and struggling to speak as the tear gas enveloped her and the group of protesters she was with.

"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 before the tear gas attack. "I can't even see anymore, we're being tear-gassed," she added, her voice strained.

The protests, which have been largely peaceful, turned violent as demonstrators stormed the parliament building, sending legislators fleeing. Parts of the building were set ablaze before being put out by police water cannons. At least 10 demonstrators were reportedly shot dead, although there was no immediate confirmation from police.

Why it Matters : The incident highlights the growing unrest in Kenya, where citizens are struggling to make ends meet amidst rising prices and corruption. The proposed tax hikes, which would raise an extra $2.7 billion in taxes, have sparked widespread outrage, with many seeing it as a further burden on an already struggling population. The government's response to the protests, which has included the use of force and tear gas, has only added to the tensions.

Key Takeaways :

• Auma Obama, Barack Obama's half-sister, was tear-gassed during a live CNN interview in Nairobi.
• The incident occurred amid nationwide protests against proposed tax hikes in Kenya.
• At least 10 demonstrators were reportedly shot dead, although there was no immediate confirmation from police.
• The protests, which have been largely peaceful, turned violent as demonstrators stormed the parliament building.
• The incident highlights the growing unrest in Kenya, where citizens are struggling to make ends meet amidst rising prices and corruption.

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