Larry Madowo, a CNN international correspondent and one of Kenya’s most recognizable journalists, has made a shocking claim, he says that a local politician put a price on his head.
Speaking from University of Nigeria,Nsukka. Madowo said he had been informed by multiple sources that a Nairobi-based politician had offered a Ksh 100,000 bounty to a group of men if they attacked him.
“They were promised payment if they could ‘deal with me’-physically and on camera,” Madowo said in a video now widely shared on social media.
The men allegedly hired for the job, often referred to locally as goons, reportedly admitted on video that they had been previously underpaid for similar assignments. This time, they claimed, the higher fee was meant to ensure they followed through.
At the time, Madowo was reporting on the anti-government demonstrations tied to the Saba Saba movement-a civil rights protest day dating back to Kenya’s push for multi-party democracy. The 2025 protests have drawn large numbers of youth and opposition supporters angry about the high cost of living, unemployment, and concerns over police brutality.
Madowo’s revelations sparked fresh outrage. While many Kenyans and journalists expressed support for him, others, including some pro-government voices, accused him of inciting unrest. One lawmaker even suggested he should be arrested.
“All i have done is report on police brutality and show the people too,” Madowo wrote in a follow-up statement. “This isn’t the first time I’ve been threatened, but it’s one of the most brazen.”
The identity of the politician has not been publicly confirmed, and no official investigation has been announced. The Nairobi Police Service has yet to issue a formal statement.
Media rights organizations have condemned the reported threats. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said in a statement that “violence and intimidation of journalists must never be tolerated,” urging authorities to guarantee the safety of reporters during public protests.
Kenya’s press freedom record has fluctuated in recent years. While the country has a vibrant media scene, journalists have faced harassment, especially during election seasons or large-scale protests.
Meanwhile, the protests themselves have continued across Nairobi and other cities, with thousands taking to the streets under heavy police presence. Human rights groups have been documenting multiple cases of excessive force.
Madowo, who was previously a news anchor in Kenya before moving to international reporting, said he would not be silenced.
“Kenya is my home. I will keep telling the truth, no matter the cost,” he said.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on Kenyan authorities-to determine whether they will investigate the alleged plot, and more importantly, protect the journalists reporting from the front lines.
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