Veteran journalist and CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo has come forward with disturbing allegations that he was the target of a politically motivated attack plot during the recent Saba Saba protests in Kenya. According to Madowo, a Kenyan political leader offered KSh 100,000 to hired goons to physically assault him and damage his filming equipment as a way of silencing critical reporting.
Alleged Plot Against Madowo
In a series of statements shared online and through interviews, Madowo said the individuals hired to carry out the attack admitted on camera that they had been promised the payment to carry out the ambush. The hired attackers allegedly expressed frustration that they hadn’t been compensated for previous jobs, and the KSh 100,000 was a motivating factor to execute the task.
The claims have sparked outrage and raised new concerns over the safety of journalists covering politically sensitive events in Kenya. Madowo’s statements point to an organized attempt to intimidate the media, particularly those reporting critically on state conduct during public protests.
“They Wanted to Silence Me”
Madowo was not physically present at the July 7 protests, having been deployed on assignment in Nigeria. He emphasized that his travel plans had been arranged weeks earlier, yet despite this, certain social media accounts—including pro-government pages and at least one politician—have accused him of inciting violence.
“They wanted to silence me and destroy our equipment just for doing journalism,” Madowo stated. “But journalism is not a crime. We will not be intimidated.”
He revealed that these threats came after his team’s coverage of police brutality during earlier demonstrations, which was aired internationally. The coverage received both praise and backlash, with some officials accusing him of tarnishing Kenya’s image abroad.
Mounting Pressure on Journalists
The revelations come amid a broader crackdown on journalists and media outlets that have been critical of the government’s response to the recent Gen Z-led protest movement. Multiple incidents of press intimidation, temporary media blackouts, and online harassment have been reported in recent weeks.
Media advocacy groups have since condemned the attacks on Madowo and called for a thorough investigation into the alleged plot. Press freedom watchdogs insist that such threats represent a dangerous escalation in the ongoing battle for free and fair journalism in Kenya.
What Happens Next?
So far, the identity of the politician alleged to have ordered the attack remains undisclosed. There is also no indication that a formal investigation has been launched by authorities. Nonetheless, the mounting evidence and public concern are likely to increase pressure on the government to act.
In the meantime, Madowo remains defiant. “We’ll continue to tell the truth, no matter the cost,” he asserted.
As tensions remain high across the country, this incident serves as yet another reminder of the crucial role journalists play—and the dangerous risks they face—in holding power to account.