BUSINESS INSIDER
The Kenyan activist Auma Obama, sister to the former United States’ president; Barack Obama was teargassed in Kenya. This happened on Tuesday as the activist was granting an interview to CNN while exercising her right to protest. She stressed that young Kenyans are simply airing out their grievances, and yet they have been met with aggression by Kenyan authorities.
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.
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.
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