CNN’s Larry Madowo Named Human Rights Defender Of The Year, Donates Cash Prize To Aspiring Journalist

Veteran CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo has been crowned the Human Rights Defender of the Year, earning prestigious recognition for his fearless storytelling and unwavering commitment to social justice across the continent.

The celebrated Kenyan journalist took to his social media platforms to share the milestone, triggering an outpouring of congratulations from colleagues, fans, and human rights advocates globally.

Passing the Torch: A KSh 129,000 Donation

In a philanthropic twist, Madowo revealed that the accolade came accompanied by a financial token, which he instantly pledged to reinvest into the future of grassroots journalism in Kenya.

“I was honoured to accept my Human Rights Defender of the Year award today from Defenders Coalition. Ahsante sana,” Madowo announced, sharing photographs from the award ceremony. “It comes with a $1,000 cash prize (KSh129,000). I will donate the full amount to a young journalist anywhere in Kenya who highlights issues in their community. Please nominate yourself or someone in the comments and explain why.”

By opening up his comments section for nominations, the anchor turned his personal victory into a direct opportunity for young, underfunded community storytellers to gain visibility and financial backing.

A Legacy of High-Stakes Reporting

Since joining CNN, Madowo has solidified his reputation as one of Africa’s premier journalistic voices. His expansive portfolio spans highly volatile elections, political transitions, humanitarian crises, and deeply researched features amplifying marginalized communities across the globe.

However, it was his fearless, on-the-ground coverage of Kenya’s historic 2024 Gen Z-led anti-government protests that catapulted him into the spotlight of human rights defenders. Risking personal safety amidst tear gas and live ammunition, Madowo was widely lauded for providing objective, uncompromised live feeds of the state’s heavy-handed response.

Beyond merely holding up a microphone to the unrest, Madowo drew widespread praise for his humanity on the field, having been spotted on multiple occasions using his press positioning to help cornered, peaceful demonstrators escape police violence safely.