Barack Obama's sister hit with tear gas during live CNN interview as Kenya protests rage

Barack Obama's half-sister was tear-gassed as she gave a live interview to CNN during protests in Kenya's capital.

Auma Obama, a Kenyan-British activist, was speaking with reporters Tuesday in Nairobi during a nationwide protest against tax hikes when police opened fire near parliament with live ammunition and tear gas, reported Kenyan newspaper The Star.

"I am here because of what is happening, young Kenyans are protesting for their rights," Obama said. "They are demonstrating with placards and banners."

"I cannot see any more,'' she said, before she appeared to be overcome by tear gas.

Journalists reported seeing several bodies after police opened fire, according to the Associated Press, and a paramedic told Reuters that at least 10 protesters had been fatally shot.

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Demonstrators stormed the parliament, sending legislators fleeing, and parts of the building were set on fire to protest a finance bill that would raise an extra $2.7 billion in taxes at a time when many Kenyan citizens are already struggling with poverty.

The former U.S. president's older sister is a sociologist, community activist and Kenyan writer who leads a non-profit organization that aids orphans and poor children.

She is the daughter of Barack Obama Sr. and his first wife, Kezia, and is one year older than her famous brother.

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