Auma Obama, a well-known Kenyan human rights activist and half-sister to former US President Barack Obama, was caught up in the mayhem of Wednesday’s protest of tear gas in Nairobi. Thousands turned out in protest at the controversial new Finance Bill, and Auma took her position among them in an expression of her beliefs.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama called his half-sister, Auma Obama, based in Nairobi, Kenya and this touching family moment happened amidst significant events, trying to shed some light on the outstanding family bonds that go beyond the vicinity of borders.
In 2015, Barack Obama visited Kenya as a special guest at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. While in the land, he took a shot at reconnecting with Auma to show regard for the family bond. Though what was discussed remains a private matter, it is highly speculated that Obama wanted to trace his roots more on his Kenyan side and bond with his family.
On Tuesday, when thousands of demonstrators poured into the streets of Nairobi to protest a Finance Bill introducing new taxes many Kenyans fear squeezing already tight budgets, Auma Obama was among them. Among the taxes is an eco-levy that would make essential goods like period products and diapers more expensive. Despite the government’s argument that these taxes are necessary to pay off national debt and reduce the budget deficit, the people are not convinced.
The picture captured Auma as she wiped her eyes with a cloth, visibly affected by the tear gas. “I can’t believe that these young people are just trying to demonstrate their rights; I came to join them,” she said in shocked concern.
The protest turned violent when police opened fire on demonstrators, leaving several dead and dozens injured. “We are being tear-gassed. We have flags and banners, nothing else; these people have nothing else,” she added and underlined the peaceful nature of their protest.
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
Auma runs the Sauti Kuu Foundation in Kenya, giving opportunities to underprivileged youth to live independently. She has always been vocal about the fact that there is a need to empower the youth and provide better opportunities. She came out against authorities during the protest, asking them to hear what these young people were saying: “How can you teargas your people? Listen to them.“
Her foundation has been involved in numerous projects to empower the youth, including opening a vocational center in 2018, where her brother Barack Obama attended to offer his support. She believes in giving back to the youth, and Auma has never failed in her commitment; this protest was one step ahead in her struggle for their rights.
Rage against the bill has been sweeping across Kenya since June 18, when the Finance Bill came into being. These include new taxes, among them also an eco-levy, which many people argue will increase the cost of living. A proposed tax on bread was withdrawn following an uproar in society, but frustration remains very high. For so many Kenyans, these taxes are punitive and intend to worsen the already harsh living conditions.
The young Kenyans started organizing through social media and led peaceful protests nationwide, geared at putting pressure on authorities to retract the finance bill in its totality. Having a youth population that makes up a considerable percentage of Kenya’s population, especially affected by the tax increase, means taxing those without jobs. Auma says more than 80 percent of the population is below 35.
The media coverage, especially by CNN and a card-carrying report from The New York Times, has yielded enormous attention towards the activism of Auma herself and, more generally, in Kenya. Though little can be said about the Kenyan government’s reaction to the protest, the international glare on Auma’s experience has brought out an essential message regarding peaceful protest and the safeguarding civil rights.
The reaching out by Barack Obama to his sister at this trying moment underlines the worth of family support and how it gets one through hard times in both personal and political life. Furthermore, it serves to remind people that Obama is still very attached to his roots in Kenya and will continue to be interested in the welfare of his family and the larger Kenyan community.
Vaguely, amidst all the mayhem and danger, Auma stood firm in her cause. She attended that protest against the finance bill with her daughter to show that it was not all about her but about the future generation. The finance bill is supposed to raise an extra $2.7 billion worth of taxes to deal with Kenya’s staggering debt. However, to most Kenyans, the bill became another load on an already challenging economic situation.
How the government of Kenya has handled protests under the leadership of President William Ruto has been under heavy criticism. In a report, KHRC says police have shot and killed protesters; such actions are widely termed a severe violation of human rights.
In Nairobi, Auma Obama‘s bold stance before the eyes of the world has become a rallying point. It is testimony to the fact that in the struggle for justice, nothing comes easy; but it is always a duty.
The spirit of Auma Obama never goes unresponded to, even in her darkest times. She gives a lot of inspiration in many people’s lives through her activities for standing up for the rights of people, specially oppressed groups struggling for a better today for their future. With persistence, she serves as a shining example, keeping her presence and powerful voice moving Kenya toward change.