Former President Barack Obama’s sister, Auma Obama, says that she was recently tear-gassed while protesting against controversial finance legislation in Nairobi.
Obama, a Kenyan activist and half-sister to the former president, shared with CNN that the incident happened on Monday.
“I can’t even see anymore. We’re being tear-gassed,” Obama told CNN as she could be seen cleaning her face with a towel.
According to the Associated Press, protests have sprouted up across Kenya over a piece of legislation that would impose taxes on the nation’s citizens.
Obama shared that she couldn’t believe officials had resorted to using tear gas against protesters, saying that “young people are just trying to demonstrate for their rights.
“I’m here because look at what’s happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They are demonstrating with flags and banners,” Obama said.
CNN captured footage of the chaotic scene as it happened. Some protesters could be seen holding signs while wearing goggles and masks to combat the tear gas.
Shortly after the bill was passed, protesters moved past police to enter the parliament building, according to the Associated Press. Legislators who voted for the measure reportedly fled through a tunnel, while those who opposed it walked out normally.
The BBC reported that gunshots were heard as the bill was passed on Tuesday. Protesters, who were under the banner of “7 Days of Rage,” continued to demonstrate despite the escalated measures by law enforcement.
The AP also reported that part of the parliament building was set on fire by protesters, one of the most direct assaults on the nation’s legislators in decades.