CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo has once again sparked debate online after strongly criticising President William Ruto’s administration over its handling of protesters and critics of the government.
Madowo wrote:
“President Ruto’s security forces have killed many Kenyans just for protesting or criticizing his government, blatantly violating their constitutionally guaranteed rights.”
The outspoken journalist’s remarks came only days after he attended the traditional Koito ceremony of President Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, and her Tanzanian fiancé Isaya Yunge in Kilgoris, Narok County.
His presence at the high-profile family event had triggered a heated debate, with some Kenyans questioning why a journalist who has consistently reported on government excesses would attend a Ruto family function.
Madowo, however, appeared unfazed by the criticism.
After the ceremony, he told his critics:
“Cancel Larry Madowo.”
He also shared photographs from the event, including images of himself with Charlene and Isaya, captioning one post:
“Tumia picha nzuri ukitoa maoni.”
The statement was interpreted as a pointed response to those who had attacked him over his attendance.
Netizens react to Madowo’s latest criticism
Madowo’s latest criticism of the government has now shifted the online conversation, with some Kenyans defending him and arguing that attending a friend’s family celebration does not automatically amount to supporting the government’s political record.
Others maintained that Madowo was entitled to maintain personal relationships while continuing to scrutinise those in power professionally.
His comments also attracted reactions from Kenyans who had previously criticised him over the Koito ceremony.
Some of the earlier comments were particularly harsh.
One critic, Thirsty Kiptowet, reportedly wrote:
“I will never trust Larry Madowo again in my life! I feel used and betrayed.”
Another user, Gitz, said:
“Larry Madowo is laughing with our oppressors. It’s your own people!”
Nahashon Kimemia questioned his decision to attend the event, asking:
“Why did Larry Madowo attend that Charlene Ruto event? Worse still, he was begging for attention from Ruto and Rachel?”
Another critic, Kirwa, simply declared:
“Larry Madowo has really disappointed us.”
The comments demonstrated the sharp divisions surrounding Madowo’s appearance at the ceremony.
Supporters say personal friendship is different from politics
Following his latest remarks, however, some of Madowo’s supporters argued that the journalist should not be forced to choose between personal relationships and professional responsibility.
Madowo is believed to have attended the Koito ceremony because of his friendship with Isaya Yunge, rather than as a political endorsement of the Ruto administration.
Reports have noted that the two have maintained a close friendship over the years.
That distinction has become central to the debate.
Supporters argue that journalists interact with politicians, business leaders and other influential personalities as part of their professional and personal lives.
Such interactions, they contend, should not automatically be interpreted as political allegiance.
The debate has also highlighted the increasingly difficult environment in which Kenyan journalists and public figures operate, where photographs, friendships and social-media posts can quickly become political statements.
Madowo’s criticism touches on Kenya’s protest debate
The journalist’s latest remarks also come against the backdrop of Kenya’s contentious history of protests and allegations of excessive use of force by security agencies.
The 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests triggered nationwide demonstrations and intense clashes between protesters and security forces.
Human-rights organisations documented allegations of killings, abductions, arbitrary arrests and other abuses during and after the demonstrations.
Against that background, Madowo’s assertion that security forces have violated Kenyans’ constitutional rights has resonated with sections of the public who have continued to demand accountability.
His statement specifically invoked the constitutional protection of peaceful assembly and protest, making the post more than simply another criticism of the administration.
The Koito controversy refuses to disappear
Charlene Ruto’s traditional engagement to Isaya Yunge attracted considerable public attention, with photographs from the ceremony showing political leaders, relatives, friends and prominent personalities attending the celebration.
Madowo’s presence became one of the unexpected talking points surrounding the event.
His subsequent social-media posts appeared to show that he was unwilling to allow criticism over his attendance to dictate his personal relationships.
Now, with his latest criticism of the government, the debate has taken another turn.
To his supporters, Madowo has demonstrated that attending a family celebration does not mean surrendering his journalistic independence.
To his critics, however, the issue remains one of perceived proximity to political power and whether journalists can maintain credibility while socialising with members of the political establishment.
For now, Madowo appears determined to continue speaking his mind.
And judging by the reaction online, his decision to criticise the government so strongly shortly after attending Charlene Ruto’s Koito has only added another chapter to one of Kenya’s latest social-media debates.
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