Larry Madowo Claims Paid Goons Were Offered KSh 100k to Attack Him, Vows Not to Be Intimidated
- CNN correspondent Larry Madowo raised alarm over alleged threats linked to his protest coverage in Kenya
- In a video, he explained how he learnt of the alleged plan to assault him and why he could not cover the Saba Saba protests
- The incident occurred amid growing concerns regarding press freedom and accountability, a period marked by journalist intimidation
- Meanwhile, the Saba Saba protests were marred by chaos, resulting in seven fatalities and massive destruction in some regions
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo has alleged that a Kenyan political leader offered paid goons an additional KSh 100,000 to physically assault him and vandalise his equipment.
Source: Twitter
He revealed the alleged attack suggestion following public observation of his absence from the Saba Saba Movement's 35th anniversary.
How did Larry Madowo know he was targeted?
According to Madowo, the individuals confessed to the plan on camera, claiming they had not been fully compensated during the previous protests.
"A Kenyan leader has offered paid goons an extra KSh 100,000 if they attack me, beat me up, smash our equipment, and they confessed to that on camera because they were not fully paid in the last protests," he said.
Madowo also raised concerns over calls from pro-government social media accounts and a sitting lawmaker demanding his arrest for allegedly inciting violence.
He dismissed the accusations, stating that his work simply involves reporting events on the ground, exposing police brutality, and showing the public the truth.
“Journalism is not a crime. We will not be intimidated,” Madowo asserted.
He clarified that his current absence from Kenya during the ongoing Saba Saba Day commemoration has nothing to do with threats but is due to a prior engagement in Nigeria, planned weeks in advance.
"I am an international correspondent, not just for Kenya," he emphasised.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions over press freedom as journalists covering protests face growing threats and hostility.
Was there chaos during Saba Saba Day?
Meanwhile, the Saba Saba demonstrations were marked by widespread chaos across several counties, resulting in deaths and extensive destruction.
At least seven people were confirmed dead in areas including Kangemi, Ngong, Kitengela, Meru, and Olkalou, as clashes between protesters and police escalated into violence.
Several businesses were also affected, with the renowned Maguna Supermarket in Makutano, Meru, among those torched, sparking public sympathy for the affected owners.
Is Larry Madowo interested in presidency?
In other news, calls for journalist Larry Madowo to consider a presidential bid sparked online debate after a fan suggested he would make an excellent leader.
Source: Instagram
The praise, which highlighted his sharp intellect and fearless journalism, was met with a humorous but firm dismissal from Madowo, who used the moment to comment on the volatile nature of Kenya's political scene.
His response came in the wake of widespread acclaim for his recent coverage of the Gen Z-led Saba Saba protests, which earned him admiration from many young Kenyans.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
