Journalist Lynn Ngugi has questioned CNN correspondent Larry Madowo’s decision to attend the engagement ceremony of President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, in Kilgoris over the weekend.
Madowo attended the ceremony at the invitation of Isaya Yunge, Charlene’s fiancé and a long-time friend of the journalist.
His presence at the high-profile family event has, however, prompted questions from Ngugi, particularly because Madowo has in recent years been viewed as a critic of the Ruto administration.
Madowo has been among journalists who have closely covered Kenya’s protests, including demonstrations against government policies, while also highlighting concerns over alleged abductions and disappearances of government critics and protesters.
His reporting and public commentary on some of these issues have earned him a reputation among sections of Kenyans as a journalist willing to scrutinise the government.
It is against this background that Ngugi questioned the decision by people associated with the struggle for political change to comfortably interact with those they have previously criticised.
Without directly naming Madowo in the statement, Ngugi appeared to take issue with the sight of individuals who had stood with protesters and spoken against alleged abuses later socialising with members of the political establishment.
“I think the most painful part about fighting for change is watching people you genuinely believed were part of the movement slowly water it down, shake hands with murderers, laugh with them, sit comfortably around the very oppressors they once condemned,” she said.
Ngugi said such situations could leave people wondering whether some individuals had genuinely believed in the causes they publicly supported or whether their involvement had been calculated from the beginning.
She also pointed to the deaths of young Kenyans during protests, arguing that the experiences of families who lost their children could not easily be separated from the country's political struggles.
“For some of us, they are,” Ngugi said when referring to the lives lost. She added that it was difficult for some people to understand how individuals who had stood alongside them during difficult moments could later sit comfortably with those they had previously opposed.
Her remarks appeared to raise questions about whether personal friendships and social relationships can be separated from the political positions held by public figures.
Madowo's attendance at the ceremony, however, does not necessarily indicate a change in his political views or professional position.
He attended as a friend of Yunge, rather than in an official political capacity, and there is no indication from the attendance alone that he has changed his position on issues he has previously covered.
Ngugi also warned that the 2027 General Election could expose the changing political loyalties and personal interests of various public figures.
“Politics is indeed a dirty game, and I have a feeling 2027 will expose even more about people’s character,” she said.
She nevertheless urged those committed to political and social change not to abandon their principles because of money, influence or access.
Ngugi said that, ultimately, personal integrity would matter more than political power or financial rewards.
“Being able to live with yourself knowing you never betrayed what you believed in is what will matter most,” she said.