Former President Obama’s sister said she was tear-gassed during a protest in Nairobi, where she was demonstrating against controversial financial legislation.
Ouch Obamaa Kenyan activist and half-sister of the former president, was previously gassed with tear gas talking to CNN during a protest in the country on Monday.
Widespread protests have gripped Kenya over legislation that would impose more taxes on its citizens The Associated Press (AP).
“I can’t even see it anymore, we’re being shot with tear gas,” Obama said CNN while rubbing her face with a towel.
She said she could not believe protesters were tear gassed, adding that “young people are just trying to demonstrate for their rights.”
CNN’s video shows a chaotic scene, with some protesters holding signs and wearing goggles and masks. The video showed CNN reporter Larry Madowo and crew leaving the area at the end of the clip to “escape that tear gas smoke.”
“I’m here because look what’s happening. Young Kenyans demonstrate for their rights. They demonstrate with flags and banners,” Obama said.
CNN reported that protesters are gathering under the banner of “7 Days of Rage” to oppose the Finance Bill 2024. The bill was passed later on Tuesday, as demonstrators continued to protest against the bill.
Later on Tuesday, the AP reported that part of Kenya’s parliament building was on fire amid the widespread protests. Journalists also saw at least three bodies outside the building, according to the AP.
The protesters walked past police to enter the parliament building shortly after lawmakers passed the bill. The AP reported that lawmakers fled the building through a tunnel and that the demonstrators allowed opposition party members to walk out of the building for voting against the bill.
The BBC reported that gunshots were heard as parliament passed the bill on Tuesday and tear gas was used throughout the day.
Reuters reported that one of its journalists saw at least five bodies of protesters outside the parliament building, while a paramedic told the outlet that at least ten protesters had been shot dead.
The Associated Press contributed.
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