Kaluma reacts to Larry Madowo’s claim of politician-linked protest attack
Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has responded to CNN journalist Larry Madowo following claims that a politician had paid goons to attack him while covering protests in Kenya.
Madowo, who has been reporting on the anti-government demonstrations, while explaining his absence from the Monday, July 7, 2025, Saba Saba protests, said that he had received credible information that a senior politician had orchestrated a plan to harm him due to his coverage of police brutality and state violence.
Kaluma on responsible reporting
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In response, Kaluma cautioned the journalist against what he termed as “irresponsible reporting,” urging Madowo to reflect on the impact of his words on the country’s fragile state.
“Don’t fear, Larry. Be responsible as a journalist. Kenya has a rich body of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the press,” Kaluma stated.
Kaluma went ahead to warn against broadcasts or statements that he believes could incite violence or paint the country in a negative light on the international stage, especially at a time when tensions are already high.
“But the rights can’t be enjoyed if Kenya ceases! Avoid broadcasts that incite violence, risk Kenya, or denigrate your own country,” he wrote on X on the night of Monday, July 7, 2025.
Larry Madowo’s concerns
Madowo had claimed that a Nairobi politician had hired goons to attack him while he was covering the protests in the city.
Sharing a video on his social media handles on Monday, July 7, the vocal journalist stated that the unnamed politician offered a token to the goons in case they succeeded in disrupting him from reporting on the happenings during the Nairobi demos.
He further claimed that pro-government voices are pushing for his arrest.
“A Nairobi politician offered paid goons a bonus if they attacked me while covering protests. Pro-government voices are calling for me to be arrested. But I will not be intimidated,” Larry Madowo posted on Facebook.
Madowo has also accused a Nairobi politician of paying hired goons an extra Ksh100,000 if they attack him.
Besides the plans to attack him, beat him up, and smash his equipment, he also highlighted the government accounts on social media and another lawmaker who has called for his arrest for supposedly inciting violence.
