NAIROBI, Kenya – Auma Obama, sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama, was tear-gassed by Kenyan police while participating in a peaceful protest against over-taxation.
The incident, broadcasted live on CNN, highlighted the escalating tension and heavy-handed response to the widespread demonstrations occurring across the country.
This is the third day of protests nationwide as Kenyans voice their anger over the proposed tax hikes.
Major towns in Kenya like Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa, have witnessed a significant turnout of demonstrators.
In Nairobi, the capital, two youthful protestors have been shot and injured, further inflaming the situation.
Despite assurances from Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kithure Kindiki that police would respect the right to peaceful assembly, the reality on the ground has been starkly different.
Throughout the day, police, particularly in Nairobi, have deployed tear gas against predominantly peaceful protesters, raising serious concerns about the use of excessive force.
Auma , known for her advocacy and social work, joined the protests to stand in solidarity with fellow Kenyans.
CS Kindiki had previously stated, “Kenyans are free to exercise their constitutional rights and are free to demonstrate within the law.”
However, the deployment of teargas and reports of police violence contradict these assurances, leading to widespread criticism from human rights organizations.
Human rights organizations have been quick to denounce the police’s heavy-handed tactics.
The Law Society of Kenya, Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission issued statements condemning the excessive use of force and calling for an immediate investigation into the actions of the police.
