Obama's sister teargassed as she shows solidarity with Kenyan youths
- Auma Obama, sister to former US president Barack Obama teargassed during Kenyan protest
- Kenyan youths protesting against new tax proposal, sparking widespread resentment
- Government set to discuss and vote on modifications to the draft bill imposed on basic amenities and imported products
Auma Obama who participated in the Kenyan protest against the new tax proposal was Tuesday among those who were teargassed, as seen on X, formerly known as Twitter via Larry Madowo’s page.
BREAKING: Auma Obama is tear-gassed by Kenya police live on CNN as she joins peaceful protests against over-taxation pic.twitter.com/XLpsvLlDyz
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) June 25, 2024
The incident occurred while Auma was being live-interviewed by CNN's Larry Madowo.
"I am here because look at what is happening, young Kenyans are protesting for their rights. They are demonstrating with flags and banners,'' she stated before exclaiming that she “could not see anymore” while she tried to get a hold of her breath.
After being aided by some of the protesters, she expressed her disbelief at the scene that was unfolding. “I can’t believe that these young people are just trying to demonstrate for their rights, I came to join them to tell them that we understand that they need to use our voices and we are being teargassed,” she said, reeling from the gas she had inhaled.
Kenya’s protest
There has been an ongoing protest in Kenya against the unpopular tax bill which was recently introduced. The controversial tax proposal has sparked widespread resentment in the country, particularly amongst the country’s youth.
So far the protest which began last week has led to at least one death and hundreds of injuries as well as arrests.
While some of the grievances have been addressed, this has done very little to quell the frustrations of the Kenyan youths. As a result, the president of the country, William Ruto has acknowledged the protest and has noted that he will hold conversations to address the issues raised by the young people spearheading the protests.
The tax was imposed on basic amenities, products that contribute to e-waste and harm the environment, imported products, and products and services used directly and exclusively in the building, as seen in a report by BBC.
Additionally, the BBC’s report revealed that MPs on Tuesday, are set to discuss and vote on the government's modifications to elements of the draft bill.
The ruling coalition has the seats in parliament to pass the modified law. After it is enacted, the president must sign it into law within 14 days or return it to parliament with a proposal for additional revisions.
The government could also take other steps to alleviate the strain, such as postponing the bill.
