CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo has alleged that a Nairobi-based politician offered a Ksh100,000 bonus to goons to physically attack him while he covered the protests in Kenya.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Madowo claimed that the individuals involved in the plot were caught on video confessing to the arrangement, stating they were motivated to speak out because they had not been fully paid for similar activities during the June 25 protests.
A Kenyan leader has offered paid goons an extra Ksh 100k if they attack me while covering the protests, beat me up, smash our equipment,” Madowo said. “They confessed to that on camera because they were not fully paid for the last protests.”
Targeted for His Coverage
The veteran journalist, known for his bold reporting across Africa and the world, said he was being targeted for simply doing his job. Madowo disclosed that pro-government influencers and a sitting lawmaker are now calling for his arrest on grounds of allegedly inciting violence.
Pro-government voices are calling for me to be arrested. But I will not be intimidated,” he said in a video clip posted alongside his statement.
Government Criticism of Foreign Media
The claims come just days after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen publicly criticized Kenyan journalists working for international outlets. Murkomen accused them of applying double standards and reporting too critically on Kenya’s internal affairs.
When they are reporting about Israel, America, and the UK, they are very careful about their own countries. However, when they come to our country, they report it as it is,” said Murkomen.
“Some of the reporters are so happy that they think they have achieved because they are being cheered.”
The timing of Madowo’s allegations has heightened concern over media freedom in Kenya, particularly as journalists and human rights defenders have come under attack during the ongoing wave of anti-government demonstrations.
Journalism Under Threat
Madowo’s claims have sparked alarm among local and international observers. Press freedom watchdogs have increasingly raised concerns about intimidation, online harassment, and even physical violence faced by journalists reporting on civil unrest and corruption in Kenya.
In his defiant statement, Madowo emphasized the importance of free and fair journalism, saying:
We will not be intimidated. Journalism is not a crime.”
