Auma Obama, the sister of former US President Barack Obama, experienced the effects of teargas firsthand on Tuesday during clashes between police and demonstrators protesting the Finance Bill, 2024 in Nairobi.
During a live interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, Auma was caught in the midst of the chaos when police deployed teargas, prompting nearby protesters to assist her in navigating away from the smoke for safety.
“I am here because of what’s happening. Young Kenyans are out protesting for their rights, demonstrating with placards and banners,” Auma stated, visibly affected by the teargas. “I cannot see anymore,” she added, coughing from the lingering effects of the gas.
Auma Obama, a sociologist, community activist, and Kenyan writer, has dedicated herself to leading a non-profit organization that supports orphans and disadvantaged youth in Kenya. Born in Nairobi in 1960, Auma studied at Heidelberg University in Germany and earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Bayreuth. She also pursued studies at the German Film and Television Academy in Berlin.
