Obama's half-sister hit with tear gas in Kenya protests

Kenyan activist and half-sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama, Auma Obama, was part of the protesters tear-gassed outside Kenya's parliament building in Nairobi.

The incident happened on Tuesday, June 25, during demonstrations to protest a financial bill, CNN reported.

The police fired shots at the demonstrators attempting to storm Kenya's legislature, which lead to the death of at least five protesters and dozens wounded.

Parts of the parliament building was set ablaze while lawmakers inside passed legislation to raise taxes.

In an interview with CNN, Auma Obama stated her participation in the protest noting that, "I'm here because - look at what's happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They're demonstrating with flags and banners. I can't even see anymore," she said, beginning to cough and shield her eyes from the spreading smoke. "We are being tear-gassed."

A man behind her carried a sign reading, "Colonialism never ended in Kenya," while another yelled, "This is our country. This is our nation."

Auma Obama posted photos of herself on Twitter at the protest prior to the tear gas incident.

There was no immediate comment on the incident involving Auma Obama or the violence in Kenya from the office of the former President Obama.

RAD/NOQ