CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo is being hailed as a hero after stepping in to protect a group of peaceful protesters who had been cornered and tear-gassed by police officers in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Wednesday, June 25.
The incident occurred during memorial protests marking the anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. In footage that has since gone viral, visibly distressed protesters can be seen pleading with Madowo not to leave them, fearing for their lives after being trapped in a blocked alley by law enforcement.
According to those present, the protesters were peacefully demonstrating when they were ambushed, beaten, and tear-gassed. “What is going on? Why are you here?” Madowo asked one young man, who was choking from the effects of the gas.
“We were just peaceful,” the protester responded. “Trying to express ourselves… but unfortunately, we were cornered and we’ve been teargassed.”
“You Can’t Do That”
Madowo then moved toward another section where police had reportedly forced several people—including uniformed security guards—to kneel. Visibly disturbed, the journalist challenged the officers: “You can’t keep them here. They are suffocating. What are you doing? You can’t do that!”
He grew increasingly frustrated as one officer threw another tear gas canister into the crowded space. “And he’s laughing,” Madowo pointed out. “He just threw tear gas into a crowded alley and he’s laughing.”
The CNN reporter also documented officers physically assaulting the protesters. “Look at this—they’re beating them. These are prison officers, not trained for crowd control. They are using excessive force. Even security guards are being rounded up.”
Protesters Plead for Safety
Several protesters turned to Madowo for protection. “We were demonstrating peacefully,” one said. “We’re only armed with our phones. We are afraid for our lives.”
Another protester, pointing to uniformed guards among the group, asked why they too had been detained. One plea struck a chilling chord: “Larry ukienda tutauliwa”—Swahili for “Larry, if you leave, we’ll be killed.”
Moved by their desperation, Madowo responded with action. “Let’s go,” he told them, urging the group to leave with him and escape the dangerous situation.
Public Applause
Kenyans across social media platforms have since applauded Madowo for his quick thinking and courageous intervention, crediting him with potentially saving lives in a moment of crisis.
As calls for accountability and reform continue to grow, Larry Madowo’s act of bravery has become a powerful symbol of solidarity and resistance in the face of state violence.