“It’s Witchcraft”: Larry Madowo Shares Experience Using Driverless Taxi In Arizona
Renowned Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo has given his followers a front-row seat to the future of transport after testing a fully autonomous taxi in Phoenix, Arizona. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the CNN correspondent shared a detailed look at his journey, describing the experience as both impressive and slightly surreal.
A Seamless Booking Process
The journey began shortly after Madowo landed at the Phoenix airport. Eager to test the local technology, he used a ride-hailing app for Waymo, a service known for its fleet of self-driving vehicles.
“I landed at Phoenix airport, downloaded the app, ordered it, and it’s taking me to my hotel,” Madowo explained as he captured the steering wheel spinning on its own. “I am in a car that’s driving itself—look, no driver. It just came to a traffic stop, and now we’re moving again.”
Navigating Human Unpredictability
One of the most notable moments of the ride occurred when the vehicle encountered a pedestrian. Madowo observed the car’s precision when a man crossed the street unexpectedly.
“A guy was running. It slowed down to allow the guy to pass, even though he essentially jaywalked,” Madowo noted, expressing surprise at the car’s ability to maintain safety even when human actors didn’t follow the rules of the road.
“Advanced Witchcraft”
As the car successfully navigated turns and merged into traffic, Madowo couldn’t help but compare the high-tech experience to something mystical. He marveled at how the autonomous system remained constantly aware of its surroundings, responding to every light and obstacle with mechanical precision.
“I cannot stress enough how much this is witchcraft. A car that is driving itself and navigating traffic,” he joked as the vehicle pulled up to his destination.
While driverless technology continues to be a point of debate worldwide, Madowo’s first-hand account highlights how rapidly autonomous services are becoming a practical reality in select cities across the globe.
