CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has dismissed growing speculation about a possible entry into politics, making it clear that he has no intentions of pursuing a political career.
The celebrated journalist had just received a roaring standing ovation during the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
As chants of “Larry! Larry!” filled the air, a group of enthusiastic mourners punctuated their cheers with the famous ngumi mbwegze fist bump—a gesture often reserved for political mobilisation.
Madowo, clearly taken aback but flattered, bowed humbly, flashing his trademark grin.
But when he realised the crowd was taking his wave and smile as a sign of political interest, he quickly straightened up and protested, “Stop, stop, no, no!” His animated gestures and laughter only made the moment funnier.
Moments later, he shared the 32-second clip on X with a caption that left no room for doubt: “This is nice, but I’m not entering politics. Not now. Not ever. Thanks for your attention to this matter.”
This comes months after Madowo dismissed calls for him to consider running for the presidential seat come 2027.
The conversation began on Tuesday, July 1, when an X user, Eric Mutahi, posed a rhetorical question to his followers.
“Has anyone thought about Larry Madowo being President of Kenya? He can be amazing,” he wrote.
“Mnichague halafu kidogo kidogo kidogo Madowo Must Go? (You elect me and then before long it’s ‘Madowo Must Go’?” he posed.
