Larry Madowo Defends Social Media Post On Tanzania’s Post-Election Violence Against Criticism
Veteran Kenyan journalist and international correspondent Larry Madowo has firmly defended a recent post he made highlighting the severity of post-election violence in Tanzania, following criticism from various quarters regarding his commentary on the matter.
Madowo’s initial post, which detailed the challenges and alleged human rights abuses that followed the disputed 2020 general election in Tanzania, drew a mixture of praise and backlash, with some critics accusing him of exaggerating the situation or interfering in Tanzanian internal affairs.
In a follow-up statement issued on his social media accounts, Madowo stood by his reporting and commentary, asserting the importance of holding power accountable and ensuring that events of historical significance, especially those involving violence and repression, are not erased.
“Journalism’s job is not to be popular; it is to speak truth to power and shine a light in dark corners,” Madowo wrote. “When violence is documented and human rights are threatened, silence is not an option. My focus remains on the facts and the victims, regardless of the political discomfort it causes.”
Madowo emphasized that his defense of the post stems from a dedication to factual reporting and regional solidarity, insisting that African journalists must be willing to discuss difficult truths concerning governance and human rights across the continent.
He stressed that the events he highlighted are verifiable and crucial for understanding the political landscape in Tanzania following the highly contested polls.
