Larry Madowo Shuts Down 2027 Presidential Bid Calls with a Firm No

Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo has shut down growing calls for him to run in the 2027 presidential election. Madowo, currently a CNN correspondent, responded to a fan on social media who suggested he should vie for the country’s top seat with a simple but firm response—“Immediately No!”

This bold rejection came despite increasing public admiration for his fearless reporting, especially on government accountability, protests, and national scandals. His stance confirms that he is committed to journalism, not politics, even as his influence continues to grow.

Larry Madowo may have rejected politics, but his impact continues to grow. His refusal to run for president in 2027 shows that he prefers the power of the pen to the trappings of public office. [Photo: Courtesy]

Larry Madowo Dismisses Political Ambitions Amid Rising Public Support

Calls for Larry Madowo to enter politics have gained momentum online, especially after his consistent coverage of protests and poor governance under President William Ruto’s administration.

But Madowo is not interested.

“You elect me, and then little by little we hear ‘Madowo Must Go’?” he wrote in response to the idea of running for president. His words reflect a deep concern with how fast Kenyan leaders fall from public favour—something he has covered firsthand throughout his journalism career.

While he did not provide a concrete reason for rejecting the idea, his sarcasm hinted at his desire to avoid the backlash, hate, and endless pressure that come with public office. His supporters, however, remain adamant that Kenya needs brave, honest, and bold voices like his in political leadership.

Why Madowo’s Name Came Up in 2027 Talks

The public has grown tired of traditional politicians. Madowo, with his fearless reporting and global platform, has become a trusted voice for the voiceless.

He gained even more popularity during his coverage of the anti-Finance Bill protests in 2023 and 2024. Madowo braved the tear gas, police beatings, and chaos to deliver raw, unfiltered stories from the ground. Protesters welcomed him with cheers and applause. So powerful was his presence on June 25, 2024, that netizens celebrated his last-minute arrival to cover the protests, even after experiencing flight delays in London.

During the protests, crowds often surrounded him, excited to see him documenting their struggles. At one point, Madowo had to plead with supporters to give him space so his live footage wouldn’t be disrupted. That level of connection with ordinary citizens has led many to believe he would make a great leader.

His influence grew not just from protest coverage but also from exposing poor infrastructure at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). He filmed leaking roofs, power outages, and the lack of shade at pick-up points—issues that embarrassed the government.

Government Criticism and Madowo’s Unyielding Stance

Government officials have not taken kindly to Madowo’s reporting. Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen slammed him for highlighting the poor state of JKIA.

In a dismissive tone, Murkomen accused Madowo of pretending to notice the problems only after living abroad. “I was laughing because Larry was with us in the country for the last 50 years when that airport was like that,” Murkomen said mockingly.

But the criticism didn’t stop Madowo. When Murkomen later became Interior CS, he once again took aim at the journalist—this time accusing international media, including CNN, of unfairly portraying Kenya in their protest coverage while treading carefully when reporting on Western countries.

Madowo hit back by standing firm on his journalistic principles. He stated clearly that he would always report what he sees, truthfully and without bias.

His boldness, however, has come at a cost. He has received anonymous threats following his reporting, but has not backed down.