CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has broken his silence over his absence from the high-profile Saba Saba protests in Kenya on July 7. In a video statement shared across his social media platforms, Madowo attributed his absence to a previously scheduled assignment in Nigeria. The renowned journalist emphasized that his trip had been planned weeks in advance, clarifying that his role as an international correspondent extends beyond Kenyan borders.
“I’m in Nigeria because we had planned this weeks ago,” Madowo said. “The job is international correspondent, not Kenyan correspondent.”
However, his explanation carried a disturbing revelation. Madowo disclosed that he had received credible threats against his life while covering the ongoing youth-led protests in Kenya. According to his claims, a Kenyan politician allegedly hired goons with a promise of an extra Sh100,000 to assault him and damage his equipment. The alleged assailants reportedly confessed their mission on camera, stating that they had not been fully paid for similar actions during earlier protests.
“A Kenyan leader has offered paid goons an extra Sh100,000 if they attack me while covering the protests; beat me up and smash our equipment,” Madowo revealed.
The threats come amid heightened tensions between the media and elements of the government, with Madowo noting that several pro-government social media accounts have called for his arrest. He accused some lawmakers of attempting to criminalize his reporting, which has focused on exposing police brutality and state-linked violence during protests.
The Saba Saba protests, largely driven by Kenya’s Gen Z, mirrored the June 25 demonstrations that followed the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’ in police custody. An autopsy revealed he had been strangled, contradicting police claims that he died from head injuries sustained in a cell.
At least 11 civilians died, 52 police officers were injured, and over 550 individuals were arrested during the July 7 protests, according to police data.
Despite the threats, Madowo remained defiant. “We will not be intimidated. Journalism is not a crime,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to holding power to account and standing by the principles of press freedom.
