Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo is winning big! The celebrated media personality was previously hired by BBC as a North American correspondent. This time, Cable News Network (CNN) have poached him as a Nairobi-based correspondent.
Having worked previously for several Tv stations including NTV, Madowo has had a vast experience in the media industry. Being hired by CNN is a dream come true for him.
“I have long admired CNN International’s award-winning coverage, and I’m honoured to be joining such a talented team. I look forward to sharing the full spectrum of life in one of the most dynamic parts of the world with CNN’s global audiences”
The announcement was made by CNN’s vice president of News Gathering and Managing Editor for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Deborah Rayner, in a press release today.
The vice president praised Larry for his impeccable prowess in diversifying his journalistic skills.
“Larry is an experienced journalist whose expertise across politics, business, entertainment and hard news stories will play into our diverse coverage of East Africa and beyond”
Madowo started out his career at the tender age of 20; where he worked for local TV stations and moved to host popular shows like ‘The Trend’.
Larry is currently setting the pace for Kenyan journalists with his great achievements. All the best to him!
Not once, not twice have journalists been spotted on camera sharply dressed in suits, only for the cameras to give the wide view and everything goes bazaar.
So what happens, is, the news anchor in question, has their formal shirt and tie in place, complete with a coat, only for it to turn out that the guy is either having some funny color of shorts on the bottom or some loose sweatpants.
1. Larry Madowo
During his time at NTV, back in 2016, Larry pulled a first one after appearing during 9pm news bulletin in a half-suit and red shorts during a live in Mombasa. He paired the attire with some sandals.
Larry Madowo anchors 9PM news at NTV in shorts
The guy is fond of the habit, just the other day, while broadcasting for BBC News right from the comfort of his home, the kid had a formal shirt and a coat on but below put on some grey shorts. Hilariously captioning: “When you’re going live on TV from home but might hit the pool after”.
Larry Madowo goes Live on air in shorts
2. Salim Swaleh
The NTV’s senior journalist’s case is something that went viral, anchoring 7pm news bulletin from his home’s sofa but when you just thought he had taken it so seriously, the guy later appeared on full screen with only a pair of shorts on his bottom.
Salim Swaleh working from home
3. Willis Raburu
Raburu’s case is just an exceptional one. The guy more often than not prefers his sweat pants to any formal trousers, but he can keep up with the formal shirt, coat and tie. Not once, has the guy been spotted wearing sweatpants during a live broadcast.
Willis Raburu wears sweatpants to work
4. Mark Masai
The popular NTV journalist was recently anchoring the 1pm news bulletin from home, but opted to ditch the formalities for a more casual home-like look. With his white shirt, tie and waistcoat on, the guy had grey sweatpants on his bottom paired with red slippers.
Larry Madowo just clinched a plum role with International broadcaster BBC World News following recent developments.
Days after interviewing American business magnate, Bill Gates and barely weeks after bagging the prestigious 2020 Philip Greer Award, Madowo’s basket continues to bring him nothing but life’s richness.
This is after his recent announcement to fans, narrating how he was brought up in a family that could not afford just a TV. But today, he stands to anchor news to a global mass courtesy of his new role at BBC World News.
Larry Madowo takes up news anchor job at BBC World News
He recalled having been forced to fly back from Atlanta where he was set to edit a story he had just shot. And straight into BBC News, Washington DC studios after the news cycle there got crazy.
According to him, anyone with the lame excuse that “dreams don’t come true,” is basically being that – lame.
We didn't have a TV when I was growing up. It is surreal that I get to anchor a @BBCWorld newscast watched in every corner of the planet from DC. Don't say dreams don't come true!
Still trying to come to terms that he got to anchor a BBC World newscast watched in every corner of the planet, right from Washington DC. What more could he have asked for?
Larry Madowo goes Live on air in shorts
Fellow seasoned Kenyan journalists, his colleagues, friends and fans urged him on and further as he explored new scenes, crossed boundaries and let his star keep shining.
The media industry has housed multiple outstanding personalities over time, some who had to make exits we never saw coming, others whose chemistry lured fans to tune in to this station or that channel only for the end to come too soon.
Be it on TV, be it on radio, Kenyans have had to witness some of the most unpleasant goodbyes among media couples, leaving wounds that might never get healed unless these duos make major comebacks. Let’s start off:
The tale of Lulu and Kanze is one of best friends who we never ever thought would part until the latter landed a lucrative State House job in 2018 where she has been working since. Meanwhile, Lulu was paired with her beloved, Rashid Abdalla.
Kanze Dena and Lulu Hassan
3. Kalekye Mumo and Shaffie Weru
Kalekye and Shaffie was one of the most popular and favorite radio duo Kenya has ever heard, with personalities perfectly complementing each other but unfortunately, the Kamba doll had to leave in 2016 as Shaffie paired with Adelle Onyango.
Shaffie Weru and Kalekye Mumo
4. Victoria Rubadiri and Larry Madowo
A speculated screen chemistry many hoped would blossom into a love story without an ending, only for Larry to soon after leave NTV for BBC in 2018, where he has since been making major moves.
Victoria Rubadiri and Larry Madowo
5. Olive Burrows and Dennis Okari
Olive Kalekye Burrows was one lady who stirred lots of controversy after an alleged screen chemistry with Dennis Okari just after his marriage with Betty Kyallo had started becoming wobbly, before the two were eventually separated on air.
Dennis Okari and Olive Burrows
6. Andrew Kibe and Kamene Goro
The unfortunate story of Kamene and Kibe is one that probably still hurts, a match so perfect but it had to be done in June 2020 after Kibe handed in his resignation, thereafter getting replaced by Jalang’o.
Larry Madowo is undeniably one of the most accomplished journalists Kenya has had in recent times, moving from a local news anchor to sitting one of the most famous and wealthiest individuals the world has today.
His recent announcement shook the Internet after revealing he would be interviewing American business magnate, Bill Gates all day today across the BBC, on TV and radio and anyone across the world regardless of where they are would be able to have access to it.
Larry Madowo interviews Worlds business magnate, Bill Gates
With the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions globally, Larry who would be situated in Washington, DC, would have the online interview with the Microsoft co-founder who is in Seattle, as they discuss issues around the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.
The former NTV journalist’s big break came when he joined BBC in April 2018, from his role as prime time news anchor and talk show host at NTV.
Former NTV’s The Trend show host, Larry Madowo
The kid was initially the business editor in the BBC Kenya bureau before taking up a position as BBC’s Africa Business Editor. A role he doubled alongside his Knight-Bagehot Fellowship at Columbia University in New York which he completed in 2019.
He then resigned as BBC’s Africa Business Editor to take up new role as United States (US) correspondent for the broadcaster.
BBC’s Larry Madowo
Larry stands as an award-winning BBC correspondent, anchor, writer and speaker having been named a Young Global Leader in 2020 by the World Economic Forum for his contributions to Journalism.
His new post however sparked mixed feelings among his online fans, some heavily criticizing, others merely making a joke out of it.
addisilvaevanx Larry how does it feel to be God’s favorite
kebengwa Juzi juiz tu ulikua unahoji timmy tdat ona mpango ya Mungu
alfabraxton Uliza huyo gathee ka anaeza “TUMA KITU”
Larry Madowo is one Kenyan journalist who has scaled the heights to bag International recognition, recently making his return to BBC from his studies engagement.
Tuesday, July 28, Larry bid the Kenyan motherland goodbye as he returned to reporting following his 1-year career break, but now as a US correspondent covering the Covid-19 pandemic in America.
At first, he was shocked how the BBC would get an African to cover the American election but he tried his luck now that the offer was already on the table.
Seasoned Kenyan journalist, Larry Madowo
Days, weeks went by until recently when he confessed that BBC had erected barriers to prevent him from using some commonly offensive racist words in his news reports, to refer to someone who had publicly and unapologetically use the same word.
The BBC didn’t allow me, an actual black man, to use the N-word in an article when quoting an African American who used it.
BBC journalist, Larry Madowo
This was after the BBC boss, Tony Hall recently apologized for a news report from their end containing racial slur that was broadcast and ended up offensive.
Larry had one question:
… a white person was allowed to say it ON TV because it was ‘editorially justified’..[why?]
You already know where I am headed, Kenyans did not spare him wisdom and their timeless advise.
But either way, the bottom line was that the derogatory word should never be used by anyone regardless, in the first place.
The 2018 list of most influential Kenyans has finally been released and not many Kenyans are agreeing with it.
The list, which has been done by local company Avance Media Africa, has different personalities in the list ranging from bloggers, comedians to musicians aged from between 15-40 years.
Controversial names
Surprisingly, Wilkins Fadhili, his allegedly ex-lover Ruth Ambogo and controversial politician Steve Mbogo are in the list. The three have been in all kind of controversies in the recent past few days which have tarnished their names. Famous personalities such as Larry Madowo, Njugush, Amina Abdi and Betty Kyalo appear on the influential list.
KOT have heavily criticized the list wondering who comes up with such lists majorly because of Wilkins Fadhili who was recently exposed as a fraud.
James Odu was among many people who were trapped in DusitD2 hotel when assailants stormed into the facility and unleashed horror.
Odu took to Twitter to announce that he had been trapped inside the DusitD2 complex, he sought to find out from the outside world what was happening.
Birthday
Odu never made it out alive, he was among people who were killed by the gunmen who fired indiscriminately at anyone they saw.
BBC journalist Larry Madowo took to social media to mourn Odu’s death, he reveals that his friend was killed on the eve of his birthday.
“My friend from university was killed on the eve of his birthday. This was his last tweet. He was one of the nicest, happiest people I’ve ever met. Rest well, Odu, nind maber. The world is better because you lived ?,” wrote Larry Madowo.
My friend from university was killed on the eve of his birthday. This was his last tweet. He was one of the nicest, happiest people I’ve ever met. Rest well, Odu, nind maber. The world is better because you lived 💔 https://t.co/V547LhdS5W
New York Times’ publication of gory photo of dead people who were killed at the DusitD2 Hotel has provoked a salvo of accusations.
Janet Mbugua was first to fire at incoming New York Times bureau chief for East Africa Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura who was doing very little to calm tensions.
More Kenyan journalists have come out to condemn New York Times, they are yet to pull down the photo which sparked fury from Kenyans.
Larry Madowo, Julie Gichuru, James Smart all took to Twitter to voice their frustrations with New York Times’ defiance and sheer ignorance.
It is a sad fact that international media view Africa with a skewed lens. For decades they had a thirst for African conflict, disaster & desperation. They have evolved but they still do not recognise DIGNITY in coverage of the AFRICAN. They must learn.#NYTimes#RiversideAttackpic.twitter.com/Y1feyHIUwE
This complex probably has more Kenyan companies than foreign ones. And it is in poor taste for the New York Times to publish images of the dead https://t.co/V9JXarLeaq
.@nytimes never gives "a clear picture of horror like this" by publishing pictures of dead bodies in gun attacks in US. Please remove that picture on this story its insensitive, shows double standards, and quite frankly a BS explanation of nonsense. https://t.co/vjsadljlTN
TV host Ciru Muriuki announced her decision to quit K24 on 1st August 2018. She used to host K24 Alfajiri together with Jeff Mote and Serah Teshna.
Ciru and Jeff Mote quit NTV’s the Trend on November 2017 to join K24. The two left NTV just after Trend’s former main host Larry Madowo called it quits.
“I’m about to wrap up my final time co-hosting K24 Alfajiri. I am so honored to have worked on such a great show with such a great team! @iamjeffmote and @serahteshna keep killing this morning TV game! I’m super excited about the next phase of my career. Dreams do come true. #k24alfajiri,” wrote Ciru Muriuki.
Reunion
Ciru has since joined BBC, the same media house where her BFF Larry Madowo works. Larry holds a senior post at BBC, he is the head of BBC Africa Business desk.
Ciru Muriuki at BBC
Ciru has also reunited with former colleague at K24 Ian Wafula who also recently joined BBC after Larry Madowo challenged him to seek greener pastures.
Larry Madowo and Victoria Rubadiri were the most captivating duo on TV before they quit NTV altogether. The anchors’ light moment on NTV has caught the attention of ‘The Joel McHale Show’.
For starters, The Joel McHale Show is an American comedy web television series that takes a look at pop culture and news through celebrity guests, comedy sketches and video clips.
The show’s host Joel McHale was amazed by a clip of Larry Madowo and Victoria Rubadiri reviewing Ugandan movie – The Expendables.
Hilarious spin-off
The Expendables Ugandan version is a spin-off of American series of ensemble action films written by and starring Sylvester Stallone.
The Ugandan version however uses computer graphics to create action, and is totally hilarious. Larry Madowo couldn’t stop laughing while reviewing the film and the light moment on NTV was picked by Joel McHale.
If you have been thinking that BBC Africa business editor Larry Madowo is in his early 40s because of the usual social media pressure from Kenyans asking him to marry, well it’s time to shock you.
The storied journalist is now officially 31 years old and still has lot of time, in case he wants to marry.
He recently took to social media to share his birthday celebration which went down at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Upper Hill Nairobi.
Familiar faces
“Grateful for the blessing of another year. Thank you for all the kind messages,” he said.
Familiar faces such as NTV Ciru Muriuki and Bonney Tunya were invited for the dinner that comprised mainly friends and former colleagues. Fans also wished him a happy one on social media.
Hours after being give a new show and expected to fill Larry Madowo’s shoes, details have come out to show that Nation Media Group has fired Ken Minjugu before he even started.
Ken had been announced as the man who will fill Larry Madowo’s position and even host Side Bar, a show which Larry had been hosting.
“All things said and done you have to acknowledge that the course of things can change but as for now am preparing to go live on air,” Ken said on Thursday.
Word has it that Ken was fired because he was a bully and didn’t get along with Muraya Kariuki, the managing acting director according to sources.
“He has been reported several times by at least six reporters including anchors but nothing has materialized,” said a source who spoke to Kenyans.
“The editor does not have soft skills and he is a bully to almost everyone in the station,” the source indicated.
We have all known Larry Madowo as an English reporter and news anchor but it seems at BBC where he moved a few months ago, a lot has changed.
Kenyans were left impressed after watching a Swahili report from Larry Madowo on BBC in which he spoke effortlessly, proving yet again that he’s a really talented journalist.
Uber Strike
Madowo was in Kenya to report about the recent Uber strike and how drivers have been having a hard time trying to make ends meet.
Here’s what Kenyans had to say:
@highridgeyoung Larry I thought you can’t construct a sentence in Swahili …..@LarryMadowo…. I miss your broadcasts at NTV
@LameckNyakwara Kudos Larry. Never knew that you are perfect in both English and kiswahili
Larry Madowo picked a fight with Ezekiel Mutua because of the lesbian movie that was banned in Kenya. The moral police banned “Rafiki”, a lesbian love story directed by Wanuri Kahiu.
Mutua explained that “Rafiki” was prohibited in Kenya because its homosexual theme demonstrates clear intent to promote lesbianism in Kenya contrary to the law.
Larry taunted Mutua when “Rafiki” became the first Kenyan film to be selected to screen at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Hopelessly conceited leader
The former NTV anchor savagely condemned Mutua in an article he wrote on The Washington Post. He said Kenya’s content regulations is maiming the industry.
“If the Oscar-winning performance by Lupita Nyong’o in “12 Years A Slave” was in a Kenyan movie, her film probably would have been banned for being too obscene. That is how dumb Kenya’s content regulations have become, with an overzealous censorship board and a public that seems to believe any material it disagrees with should be banned. The tone-deaf Kenya Film Classification Board and its hopelessly conceited leader Ezekiel Mutua (who once compared himself to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.) clearly have support from the top ranks in government,” wrote Madowo in part.
Mutua reacts
The moral police fired back at Larry Madowo in a tweet. Mutua says Larry has no moral authority to lecture anyone about life, family or Godliness.
“@LarryMadowo is a successful journalist but he is no paragon of virtue. He has no moral authority to lecture anyone about life, family or Godliness. Get a wife Chief and settle down!” Ezekiel Mutua tweeted.
Larry Madowo is making money moves a few weeks after resigning from NTV Kenya. The renowned journalist made his exit shortly after his disagreement with the Nation Media Group’s management and editorial leadership.
According to Larry Madowo there was lack of editorial independence at the media house and for this reason he had to find greener pastures!
His move however left many shocked but all in all he seems to have found a new home.
In his latest post shared on his social media pages Larry Madowo confirms that he is now working at BBC as Business Editor for Africa. He wrote saying;
Larry Madowo has finally left Nation Media Group following a series of dramas. He has announced his decision to quit NTV just a month after he terminated his contract to write for Daily Nation newspaper.
Ghafla! correctly predicted Larry Madowo would not stay for long at NMG. There have been a series of events that prompted Madowo to leave the Kimathi street-based media house.
Madowo has now joined BBC. He has been corresponding for CNN, BBC and writing opinion pieces for Washington Post and other globally renowned publications.
“I leave @ntvkenya as I came: humbled & grateful. The job was one of the great honours of my life. Thanks to everyone who watched, and to Nation for the privilege of the opportunity. I’m proud of my amazing colleagues & everything we accomplished. Farewell, my friends. Stay woke,” Larry Madowo announced his exit from NTV.
Larry Madowo has shared his opinion about Cambridge Analytica on Washington post. The British consultancy firm has been exposed over its role in influencing 2013 and 2017 Kenyan presidential election.
Cambridge Analytica bosses have been caught on camera boasting of the control they exerted in Kenya. Investigation aired by British public service TV Channel 4 News, shows one of the company’s top bosses, Alexandar Nix, bragging on how they run the 2013 and 2017 campaigns, how they rebranded both TNA and Jubilee parties, wrote speeches and manifestos, conducted two researches on behalf of the parties, “stage the whole thing” and “ran every element of Uhuru Kenyatta’s campaign”.
Cambridge Analytica has since been banned on Facebook. The firm ran ads on Facebook portraying Raila Odinga as violent, corrupt and dangerous person.
The use of dirty tricks for its political clients including sowing tribal discord and using fake news is the reason why Facebook banned Cambridge Analytica.
Madowo’s article
Larry Madowo condemns Cambridge Analytica for poisoning democracies around the world on his article on The Washington Post.
Madowo’s critics however went on troll him over his article. Tanzanian star Idris Sultan threw his weight behind Larry, he says people were criticizing Madowo yet even Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has been summoned by UK lawmakers over Cambridge Analytica.
“Zuckerberg is summoned since most data was gathered from facebook and here we were just arguing why is Larry’s relationship status weird. We won’t be summoned for that ??”wrote Idris Sultan.
Larry Madowo was rushed to hospital over the past weekend after being involved in an accident. The NTV anchor is however not the first TV personality to be involved in such kind of accident.
Larry broke his arm while he was cycling. He was rushed to Aga Khan University Hospital on Saturday morning following the accident.
“Check out my hot new arm accessory after a trip to the ER for a bad fall while cycling. I’ll be rocking this baby everywhere,” Larry Madowo posted on social media.
Larry Madowo recuperating at Aga Khan hospital
Similar fate
Larry usually rides a bicycle along Southern Bypass. He cycles the entire 28 km Southern Bypass from the junction of Mombasa Road interchange at Ole Sereni Hotel to Kikuyu town.
Larry Madowo poses for a photo in Kikuyu town
The 28 km has however proved to be a deathtrap for cyclists. In October 2017 KTN’s Dennis Onsarigo was nearly killed while cycling along Southern Bypass.
Onsarigo was almost smashed by a speeding truck. The KTN investigative journalist was also rushed to Aga Khan Hospital where he underwent a 6-hour surgery.
NTV’s General Manager Linus Kaikai has quit his job and the junior staff is sad about his exit. A feeling of sadness and despondency engulfed the Kimathi street-based media house after Kaikai’s exit was confirmed.
Kaikai is said to be heading to Citizen TV to fill the position left vacant by Faridah Karoney who was appointed Lands Cabinet Secretary by Uhuru.
Kaikai had a disagreement with Chief Editor Tom Mshindi last month over the covering of Raila Odinga’s swearing. Police ‘hunted’ Kaikai together with Larry Madowo and Ken Mijungu in regard the swearing in and TV shutdown.
Larry Madowo, Ken Mijungu and Smriti Vidyarthi have all praised Linus Kaikai upon his exit from NTV. Madowo says he is gutted to see Kaikai leave NTV.
“I owe my whole broadcast career to @kaikailinus; the best boss a journalist can ever ask for. I’m gutted to see him leave @ntvkenya today. It’s the end of an era here. It will never be the same again. Goodbye and good luck!” Wrote Larry Madowo.
Linus Kaikai and Smriti Vidyarthi
“A boss like no other! One I will never forget. @kaikailinus thank you for everything. Wishing you the very best in your future endeavors. You will be missed. @ntvkenya,” wrote Smriti Vidyarthi.
Larry Madowo may be on his way out of Nation Media Group (NMG) following the recent unfolding of events. Madowo is arguably the most successful journalist at NMG thanks to his impressive work on the Trend, new political show Side Bar and other undertakings that have given him and the company clout.
The relationship between Madowo and his bosses has however started getting frosty. And there are telltale signs Madowo may leave the Kimathi street-based media house soon.
5 signs in particular indicate Larry Madowo is gearing to leave NTV:
Clash with his bosses
Larry Madowo clashed with his bosses when he questioned NMG’s independence in the wake of Justus Wanga’s intimidation by DP Ruto’s aide.
Madowo was not pleased by how external forces in the government was influencing the media house’s editorial content.
Larry Madowo has been corresponding for CNN ever since the government decided to shut down media houses for covering Raila Odinga’s controversial swearing-in ceremony
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeuM0n7BUiF/?
CNN publishes Madowo’s article
Larry Madowo found himself at odds with his bosses when Daily Nation’s senior editors refused to publish his own opinion piece.
Madowo’s article titled ‘Why it’s a perilous time to be a journalist in Kenya’ was instead published by CNN on its news website.
Madowo quits Daily Nation
Larry Madowo terminated his contract to write for Daily Nation after the drama over his opinion piece. He had been writing a column for the daily for four long years before he decided to quit all over sudden.
Most celebrities put on weight after getting that money and fame. But the story is different for Eric Omondi, he is still gracefully thin even after making it big.
Larry Madowo and Eric Omondi used to rub shoulders before both of them made it big. Surprisingly Larry used to be thinner than Eric Omondi back then when they were still seeking a breakthrough.
Larry Madowo (left) and Eric Omondi (right)
Why not me?
Eric Omondi is puzzled why he hasn’t put on weight after all these years. The mischievous comedian compared and contrasted Larry Madowo and him in old photos they took together.
“Other day I was “fatter” than Larry Madowo?????? @larrymadowo #TBT,” Eric Omondi captioned an old photo he posed with Larry Madowo.
Larry Madowo has terminated his contract following the clash with his bosses. The NTV journalist announced he had quit on social media.
For starters, Larry Madowo disagreed with senior Daily Nation editors after they refused to publish his article. Madowo’s opinion piece titled ‘Why it’s a perilous time to be a journalist in Kenya’ was instead published by CNN.
The opinion piece addresses government crackdown on media houses and intimidation of journalists. Nation editors feared the article could offend the government and perhaps they couldn’t deal with the repercussions.
3 years of service
Larry finally decided to terminate his contract to write for Daily Nation following the ordeal. His decision comes after Uhuru’s lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi called for his resignation.
“On Thursday, I terminated my contract to write the #FrontRow column in the @dailynation. It was an honour & I’m grateful to the paper for the page since August 2014,” Larry Madowo tweeted.
