Meet Barack Obama’s activist half-sister Dr Auma Obama, who just protested in Kenya

Jul 10 , 2024

Meet Dr Auma Obama (right), Barack Obama’s activist half-sister. Photo: @aumaobama/Instagram

The elder half-sibling of the 44th US president is a force to be reckoned with, whose advocacy spans Germany and Kenya

Upon hearing the name Obama, you’re most likely going to think of either Barack or Michelle, the former US president and first lady, respectively. But there’s another Obama who is just as vocal and impactful as the ones who used to live in the White House: Auma Obama.

Auma is the 44th American president’s older half-sister, and she recently made global headlines for taking part in an anti-tax protest in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. (Her and Barack’s father also hails from Kenya.) Speaking to CNN soon after being tear gassed along with other demonstrators, Auma said, “I am here because – look at what’s happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They are demonstrating with flags and banners.”

Auma Obama was born in Kenya, in 1960. Photo: @aumaobama/Instagram

According to the Associated Press, the movement was triggered by Kenyan lawmakers’ proposal to raise taxes, which would add further strain to millions of Kenyans already struggling with the soaring cost of living in the East African hub.

NBC News reported that dozens were injured and at least five people were killed in clashes with the police during the rally at the country’s parliament, where Auma was seen among her fellow demonstrators.

Auma Obama is former US president Barack Obama’s older half-sister. Photo: @aumaobama/Instagram

There is much more to Auma than her recent involvement in the Kenyan protests though. Here’s what we know about Auma Obama.

Auma Obama and Barack Obama have each other’s backs

“Happy birthday little brother! … And all those who share a birthday with you!” Auma Obama captioned this Instagram photo of herself and Barack Obama. Photo: @aumaobama/Instagram

Auma was born in Kenya in 1960. She’s the daughter of Barack Obama Sr and his first wife, Kezia Obama. She was born only a year before the then future president of the United States, whose mother was Stanley Ann Dunham, Obama Sr’s second wife.

The two half-siblings seem to have a strong bond – even though, according to Forbes, Auma and Barack only met in their twenties. The former president was quick to contact Auma after the Nairobi protests – just one day after, in fact – to make sure she’s OK. “He cares. He checked in,” Auma shared on X (formerly Twitter) in response to someone who questioned the former world leader’s support for his sibling.