Larry Madowo clarifies political intentions after Kenyans cheer him at Raila’s funeral
By Steve Ireri, October 17, 2025CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo has moved to clarify his political intentions after being overwhelmed by cheers from Kenyans who spotted him covering the State Funeral of the late ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025.
Madowo, who was broadcasting live alongside his videographer Fabian Muhire, drew the crowd’s attention when mourners recognised him amid the solemn ceremony.
The cheers grew louder as Kenyans diverted their focus from the event to salute the celebrated journalist, forcing Madowo to wave back while continuing his live broadcast.
The spontaneous display of affection soon set off a wave of online speculation, with many suggesting that the enthusiastic reception was a sign that Kenyans viewed him as a future political figure.
However, Madowo, in a statement on Instagram, has addressed the speculation, expressing gratitude for the public’s warmth while firmly dismissing any notion of political ambitions.
He clarified that while he appreciated the love, he was not considering a future in politics, making it clear that his calling remained in journalism.
“Thanks for the love but I’m not entering politics. Not now. Not ever. Thanks for your attention to this matter,” he wrote.
National mourning
This reassurance came as the nation continued to mourn Raila Odinga, whose passing has triggered profound grief across Kenya.
Raila, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Kerala, India, at the age of 80 following a cardiac arrest.
His body was repatriated to Kenya on Thursday, October 16, and received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where overwhelming crowds forced security teams to revise the official reception plans.
Public viewings initially planned at Parliament Buildings were later relocated to Kasarani Stadium to accommodate the thousands of mourners who flocked to pay their final respects.
His casket, draped in the national flag, was escorted under tight security, symbolising the immense public admiration that defined his life and political journey.
Despite the earlier developments, the state funeral at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, was a huge success, drawing heads of state, ODM leaders, and senior government officials, including President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was one of unity and reverence as Kenyans from all walks of life gathered to honour a man whose name had become synonymous with the struggle for democracy, equity, and justice.
Even after the official proceedings concluded, thousands of mourners remained, eager for one final opportunity to view Raila’s body.
National Youth Service and General Service Unit officers carefully managed the flow of mourners, ensuring order and safety as they filed past the casket in a continuous procession of national sorrow and admiration.
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his family homestead in Bondo, Siaya County, beside his mother, Mary Odhiambo Odinga, in accordance with his wishes.