Auma Obama, the sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama, found herself caught in the midst of turmoil on Tuesday as Kenyan police aggressively dispersed anti-Finance Bill demonstrators in Nairobi.
The protests, which have intensified in recent days, are in response to the government’s controversial Finance Bill that includes taxes on essential goods such as cars and bread.
During an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo at the protest site, Auma Obama and other demonstrators were abruptly enveloped in teargas, prompting chaotic scenes as people scrambled for safety.
“Look at what’s happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights,” Ms. Obama exclaimed amidst the teargas. “All they have are flags and banners. How can you teargas your own people instead of listening to them?”
Suffering under the teargas, Ms Obama coughed, abruptly saying, “I can’t even see anymore. We’re being teargassed.”
The protest, which began in opposition to the Finance Bill currently under parliamentary review, has faced severe crackdowns by authorities, including reported abductions of activists by government agents.
Amnesty International condemned these actions, citing twelve recent abductions and a growing wave of violence against peaceful protesters.
Earlier this week, a 24-year-old protester lost his life in Nairobi during clashes with police armed with tear gas and water cannons.
Despite parliamentary adjustments to the Finance Bill, public dissent remains fervent, with many Kenyans insisting on its complete withdrawal.
In response to the escalating tensions, Kenya’s President William Ruto defended the government’s fiscal measures, emphasizing public engagement and democratic processes. Since taking office in 2022, Ruto has implemented various tax reforms aimed at addressing Kenya’s substantial national debt, estimated at approximately $80 billion.
The situation continues to evolve as protesters vow to persist until their demands are met, setting the stage for further confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement in Kenya’s capital.
Peoples Gazette
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
