Larry Madowo's Courageous Reporting During Anti-Finance Bill Protests in Nairobi
CNN Africa Correspondent Larry Madowo demonstrated his unwavering commitment to journalism when he chose to cut short his holiday in Italy to cover the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests in Nairobi on June 25. Madowo’s swift return to the field, punctuated by his firsthand capture of police brutality and harassment, has garnered significant attention and praise from observers worldwide.
The gravity of the situation in Nairobi was underscored when Madowo recorded several disturbing instances of police aggression. His compelling footage included the shocking use of tear gas on Auma Obama, the half-sister of former US President Barack Obama. Such incidences have only fueled the fiery debate on the ethicality and transparency of law enforcement actions during civil demonstrations.
Throughout the day of the protests, Madowo remained steadfast and focused. His late-night tweet, which candidly mentioned that he was having his first meal of the day, resonated deeply with the Kenyan public. The tweet sparked an outpouring of support and concern, further amplifying his image as a dedicated and empathetic journalist. Madowo has been lauded for his unbiased reporting, striving to present the raw reality of the violence endured by protesters.
Unfolding Chaos and Police Response
The protests were not limited to Nairobi alone. In Eldoret, an agitated group of protesters forcefully entered the Timba XO Club. The club, linked to Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, saw significant losses with products worth millions of shillings stolen amidst the chaos. The incident highlighted the protestors' mounting anger and their target on establishments perceived to be associated with those in power.
The anti-Finance Bill sentiments were evidently strong amongst numerous Kenyans. When the bill was finally put to a vote, the division among MPs was clear. The Kenya Kwanza Alliance, a significant political faction, saw its members vote in favor of the bill. In contrast, 106 MPs opposed it, showing a strong stand against the proposed financial adjustments. Notably, three MPs chose to abstain from the vote, perhaps signaling the contentious and sensitive nature of the bill itself.
Tensions soared to unmanageable levels when protesters managed to overpower law enforcement officers and stormed the National Assembly. In a desperate bid to control the unyielding crowd, the police resorted to using live ammunition. The extreme measures taken by law enforcement further fueled the debate on the appropriateness and proportionality of the response to civil unrest.
Madowo's Advocacy and the Tragic Case of Rex Masai
Beyond capturing the events on the ground, Larry Madowo's role has extended to active advocacy. He had previously expressed a firm commitment to seeking justice for Rex Masai, a 29-year-old man who was reportedly shot by a police officer during the protests. Madowo’s pledge underscores his dedication not just to reporting, but also to championing human rights and justice for victims of alleged police misconduct.
The story of Rex Masai is profoundly tragic. Allegedly felled by a police bullet, Masai's narrative has become emblematic of the grievances and injustices faced by many during such protests. Madowo’s spotlight on this case has intensified calls for transparency and accountability within the police force. His consistent reminders of Masai's plight have helped ensure that such individual tragedies are not lost amidst the broader political turmoil.
Public Reaction and the Media’s Role
Public reaction to the protests and the subsequent police response has been a mix of outrage, concern, and a desire for systemic change. Many Kenyans have voiced their support for protesters while condemning the brutality exhibited by law enforcement. The events have cast a spotlight on the delicate balance between maintaining order and respecting human rights, a balancing act that is increasingly scrutinized in today's digital and interconnected age.
The media's role, especially that of journalists like Larry Madowo, remains crucial in such contexts. By providing real-time updates, capturing raw and unfiltered moments, and advocating for the victims, journalists bridge the gap between the events on the ground and the world at large. Their unwavering commitment to the truth ensures that the powerful are held accountable and that the voices of the marginalized are amplified.
Larry Madowo's comprehensive and courageous coverage has not only highlighted the immediate events of the protest but also raised critical questions about governance, law enforcement, and the right to peaceful assembly. It is in such moments of crisis that the essence and importance of journalism are most pronounced, serving as a beacon of truth and a catalyst for change.
Sihle Tana
I am a journalist with a passion for covering daily news in Africa. My work has taken me across the continent, reporting on significant events and stories that impact communities. I strive to bring insightful and comprehensive news coverage to my readers.
This is not journalism-it's performance art with a CNN logo. Madowo didn't report the protest, he became the protest. Tear gas on Auma Obama? That's not a news clip, that's a Netflix documentary waiting to happen. And don't get me started on the Timba XO Club heist-those weren't protesters, they were a flash mob with a grudge and a FedEx truck.
I think what's truly remarkable here is how Larry Madowo's presence on the ground transformed a local political dispute into a global human rights moment. His decision to cut short his vacation speaks to a level of professional integrity that's becoming increasingly rare in modern media. The fact that he went without food for hours while documenting police brutality shows not just dedication but a deep moral commitment to truth-telling. This isn't just reporting-it's civic duty performed with courage and clarity, and it sets a benchmark for journalists everywhere, especially in regions where press freedom is under siege.
Let’s be real-Madowo’s tweet about having his first meal of the day was just good PR. The police didn’t shoot Rex Masai. He tripped over a tear gas canister and his own ego. And don’t tell me about 'systemic change'-this is just another case of Western media turning a messy protest into a virtue signal. The bill was bad? Fine. But let’s not turn a guy with a camera into a saint just because he didn’t wear a suit.
I just want to say how proud I am of journalists like Larry who show up even when it's dangerous and no one is watching. You don't need a fancy title to be brave. You just need to care enough to keep recording even when your hands are shaking. And to everyone saying this is just drama-look at the footage. Look at the faces. This isn't theater. This is real life. We owe it to people like Rex Masai to not look away
You people are naive. This entire protest was orchestrated by foreign NGOs with ties to the IMF. The police didn't use live rounds-they fired warning shots that got misinterpreted by biased journalists like Madowo. And Auma Obama? She was there to stage a photo op. The Timba XO Club was a front for money laundering. This isn't justice-it's a coordinated smear campaign against Kenya's sovereignty. Someone's getting paid to make us look like savages.
One must question the epistemological foundations of citizen journalism when a single correspondent’s anecdotal footage becomes the primary source for international policy discourse. The structural integrity of democratic institutions cannot be evaluated through viral clips and emotional tweets. Madowo’s hero narrative is a symptom of the post-truth condition, wherein moral outrage replaces institutional accountability.
The professionalism demonstrated by Larry Madowo reflects the highest ideals of public service journalism. His decision to return from vacation amid escalating unrest exemplifies the ethical obligation of the press to bear witness, particularly in contexts where state power is exercised with impunity. The global resonance of his reporting underscores the enduring relevance of the Fourth Estate in safeguarding democratic norms.
Madowo’s footage was edited. The tear gas canisters were planted. The police didn’t fire live rounds-they used rubber bullets. Rex Masai’s death? He was a known agitator with a criminal record. The bill was passed legally. The National Assembly was stormed by foreign-funded operatives. CNN is owned by a media conglomerate that benefits from African instability. This isn’t journalism-it’s a psychological operation. Check the metadata. Check the timestamps. The truth is buried under layers of narrative manipulation.
ok so like... i just watched the video of the guy running with the flag and the smoke and then he tripped and the cop kinda just... stood there? and then madowo was like 'i havent eaten since 7am' and i cried?? idk man. also the club thing? was that really the same group? or did some randoms just loot it? and why does everyone keep saying 'systemic change' like its a hashtag?? also i think the police were scared too?? like, imagine being told to stand in front of a mob with no backup?? i just... dont know what to think anymore
This is what happens when you let Western media dictate African narratives. Madowo’s not a hero-he’s a pawn. The anti-bill movement was hijacked by elites who want to destabilize Kenya’s economy. The police acted with restraint. The protesters burned buses, looted pharmacies, and attacked small businesses. And now we’re supposed to cry over a tweet? Wake up. Kenya doesn’t need foreign journalists to tell us how to feel about our own democracy.
I just want to say thank you to everyone who showed up to protest peacefully. And to Larry-you didn’t have to be there but you were. That matters. And to the people who lost everything? I see you. And to the cops who were just doing their job under impossible pressure? I see you too. This isn’t about who’s right or wrong-it’s about how we heal. We need more listening, not more shouting
The courage displayed by Mr. Madowo exemplifies the noblest traditions of journalistic integrity. His commitment to truth, even at personal risk, serves as an inspiring model for emerging media professionals across the Global South. The events in Nairobi underscore the indispensable role of independent reporting in preserving democratic accountability.
Look. I’m not saying Madowo’s fake. But let’s not pretend this was pure. He’s got a following. He’s got a platform. He’s got a book deal coming. The tear gas on Auma Obama? That was a 3-second clip edited into a 5-minute montage. The police didn’t shoot Rex Masai. He was caught in crossfire from a rival protest group. The bill? It was necessary. The chaos? Predictable. The narrative? Manufactured. And you’re all falling for it.
The structural violence embedded in fiscal policy is being mediated through embodied trauma-Madowo’s lens becomes the epistemic bridge between neoliberal austerity and lived suffering. The police response is a symptom of securitization logics that pathologize dissent. Rex Masai’s death isn’t an anomaly-it’s an algorithmic outcome of state surveillance capitalism. We need decolonial media praxis, not performative heroism. The archive must be reclaimed.
You think Madowo’s the first journalist to risk his life? What about the ones in 2017? Or 2014? Or 1998? He got lucky. The cameras were rolling. The world was watching. But what about the 200 Kenyans who died and no one even knew their names? This isn’t bravery-it’s algorithmic fame. And don’t even get me started on the 'first meal of the day' tweet-that’s not humble, that’s content strategy. He’s got a podcast coming.
Madowo is a legend 😭❤️🔥 and Auma Obama is my hero too 🙌 and the police? they went too far 😡 but also... maybe they were scared too? 🤔 and Rex Masai’s family? i’m so sorry 💔 and the Timba XO Club? why did they even have a club in the middle of a protest?? 🤷♀️ and the bill? i don’t even understand it but i know it felt wrong 😔 and hey if you’re reading this-you’re not alone 💛