Larry Madowo Alleges Ksh100K Bounty by Nairobi Politician to Target Him During Protests

Larry Madowo Alleges Ksh100K Bounty by Nairobi Politician to Target Him During Protests

CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo has ignited public outrage after revealing a disturbing plot to attack him during the Saba Saba protests. According to Madowo, a Nairobi politician allegedly placed a Ksh100,000 bounty on him, urging hired goons to target the journalist.

While addressing the matter on Monday, Madowo made a bold revelation that has since sparked concern among Kenyans.

“Some of the goons confessed on video that they were promised Ksh100,000 to attack me,”
he revealed.
“They hadn’t been paid for previous assignments and this was an incentive.”

Despite the threats, the outspoken journalist clarified that his absence from the protest wasn’t due to fear.

“I wasn’t avoiding the protests. I had already scheduled to be in Nigeria for work,”
he said firmly.

More shocking, Madowo noted the plan went beyond physical assault.

“They wanted to beat me and destroy my equipment,”
he said.

The threats didn’t end there. He also faced growing online pressure from state accounts and politicians.

“We will not be intimidated. Journalism is not a crime,”
Madowo declared defiantly.

Although he didn’t name names, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was among the most vocal critics. In a now-deleted tweet, Kaluma had called for Madowo’s arrest.

“Larry and his ilk are inciting Kenyans. They must face the law,”
read the tweet posted ahead of the protests.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen also waded into the storm. After the June 25 demonstrations, Murkomen lashed out at Kenyan correspondents working with foreign media outlets.

“They are very careful when reporting in their countries, but when they come to ours, they don’t care,”
Murkomen said.
“They think they’ve achieved something just because they’re being praised abroad.”

He questioned their motives and their loyalty to Kenya’s image.

“We must weigh the national interest before allowing such media conduct,”
he added.

Madowo was not alone in the firing line. BBC’s Ian Wafula, Al Jazeera’s Catherine Soi, and DW’s Edith Kimani were also covering the protests. They, too, were accused of portraying the country in a negative light, despite the risks they took to report on the ground.

The allegations have since triggered debate on media freedom, safety of journalists, and political intimidation in Kenya. As Madowo stands his ground, Kenyans and global media watchdogs are now watching closely to see how the government will respond to these grave accusations.

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Larry Madowo Alleges Ksh100K Bounty by Nairobi Politician to Target Him During Protests