Larry Madowo Says No to 2027 Presidential Bid, Cites Journalism Commitment
Kenyan journalist and CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo has turned down calls to run for president in the 2027 General Election. Madowo responded to a user on X (formerly Twitter) who suggested he consider vying for the top seat.
The post read, “Has anyone thought about Larry Madowo being President of Kenya? He can be amazing,” and Madowo replied, “Immediately No!”
Madowo didn’t elaborate on why but his response implied he doesn’t want to be subjected to the political pressures and criticism that comes with being in public office. He said, “You elect me, and then little by little we hear ‘Madowo Must Go?’”—a reference to the public dissent currently faced by senior state officials, including President William Ruto.
The calls for Madowo to join politics have been driven by his high profile journalism, particularly his critical coverage of state operations and amplifying civic concerns. In recent months, Madowo has been highlighting infrastructural deficiencies at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) including leaking roofs and frequent power outages. This prompted a response from then-Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who called out Madowo for negative reporting.
“I saw Larry taking videos at the airport. I was laughing because Larry was with us in the country for the last 50 years when that airport was like that. Suddenly because he lives abroad, his eyes are open and realizes that there is no shade when you exit JKIA,” Murkomen said.
Madowo has also been covering public demonstrations in Kenya, particularly the anti-Finance Bill protests. His reporting which included documenting police response and protester experiences has earned him massive public support and a big following online. During the June 25 demonstrations, Madowo flew in from London just before coverage began and was warmly received on social media and by protesters on the ground.Despite the challenges and the heat, Madowo remains committed to fact-based reporting. But he’s still getting criticism from government officials. Murkomen (now CS Interior and National Administration) recently said international journalists including Madowo apply different editorial standards when reporting on Kenya than they do on Western countries.
After the June 25 protests, CS Murkomen said international correspondents are critical when reporting on local events but not when they’re reporting on foreign countries.
Madowo says he’s still committed to journalistic integrity and his work is fact-based and not influenced by external pressure or editorial double standards.
Larry Madowo Says No to 2027 Presidential Bid, Cites Journalism Commitment
Kenyan journalist and CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo has turned down calls to run for president in the 2027 General Election. Madowo responded to a user on X (formerly Twitter) who suggested he consider vying for the top seat.
The post read, “Has anyone thought about Larry Madowo being President of Kenya? He can be amazing,” and Madowo replied, “Immediately No!”
Madowo didn’t elaborate on why but his response implied he doesn’t want to be subjected to the political pressures and criticism that comes with being in public office. He said, “You elect me, and then little by little we hear ‘Madowo Must Go?’”—a reference to the public dissent currently faced by senior state officials, including President William Ruto.
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The calls for Madowo to join politics have been driven by his high profile journalism, particularly his critical coverage of state operations and amplifying civic concerns. In recent months, Madowo has been highlighting infrastructural deficiencies at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) including leaking roofs and frequent power outages. This prompted a response from then-Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who called out Madowo for negative reporting.
“I saw Larry taking videos at the airport. I was laughing because Larry was with us in the country for the last 50 years when that airport was like that. Suddenly because he lives abroad, his eyes are open and realizes that there is no shade when you exit JKIA,” Murkomen said.
Madowo has also been covering public demonstrations in Kenya, particularly the anti-Finance Bill protests. His reporting which included documenting police response and protester experiences has earned him massive public support and a big following online. During the June 25 demonstrations, Madowo flew in from London just before coverage began and was warmly received on social media and by protesters on the ground.Despite the challenges and the heat, Madowo remains committed to fact-based reporting. But he’s still getting criticism from government officials. Murkomen (now CS Interior and National Administration) recently said international journalists including Madowo apply different editorial standards when reporting on Kenya than they do on Western countries.
After the June 25 protests, CS Murkomen said international correspondents are critical when reporting on local events but not when they’re reporting on foreign countries.
Larry Madowo Says No to 2027 Presidential Bid, Cites Journalism Commitment
