A fresh media storm has erupted after former Nyakach MP Odoyo Owidi launched a sharp attack on CNN journalist Larry Madowo, accusing him of using an international platform to fight local political battles.
Owidi criticised Madowo’s recent coverage of protests in South Africa, arguing that the journalist deviated from his core assignment. Madowo had been deployed by CNN to report on demonstrations involving Black South Africans, but Owidi claims the report instead focused heavily on Kenya’s Gen Z protests.
“Larry Madowo was sent to South Africa to file a report on protests by Black South Africans,” Owidi said.
“Instead, he used the opportunity to criticise the president of his own country by drawing comparisons between the police response in South Africa and that of the Kenyan police.”
The former legislator questioned whether the report aligned with the expectations of CNN editors, suggesting it appeared tailored more toward a Kenyan political audience than an international one.
“It is unclear whether he delivered the story his bosses in Atlanta expected, but he certainly delivered for his political allies back home,” Owidi added.
Owidi further argued that Madowo failed to acknowledge what he termed as “fundamental differences” between the two protest scenarios.
According to him, Kenya’s Gen Z protests were politically charged, with sections of demonstrators pushing for regime change, while the South African protests were largely social and peaceful in nature.
He also faulted the journalist for what he described as selective comparisons, claiming that Madowo consistently portrayed South African police in a favourable light without providing adequate context.
“In nearly all his stand-ups, he compared South African police positively to Kenyan police, yet failed to explain the different circumstances,” Owidi stated. “He urged Kenyan police to learn from South Africa, but did not challenge Kenyan protesters to adopt restraint.”
Owidi went on to highlight incidents reported during the Gen Z protests, including clashes with police, destruction of property, and attempts to breach protected areas such as Parliament.
He argued that such actions set the Kenyan situation apart from the South African demonstrations.
“South African protesters did not burn buildings, storm State House, or set up street bonfires,” he said. “These differences cannot be ignored in serious journalism.”
He concluded with a direct critique of Madowo’s professional conduct, saying strong presentation skills should not replace balanced reporting.
“The ability to deliver a polished voice-over is a talent, not a substitute for balanced journalism or intellectual honesty,” Owidi said.