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Cancel Larry! Madowo defies critics as he cheers Isaya Yunge and Charlene Ruto on engagement
09th August, 2026 06:47 PM
Journalist Larry Madowo has slammed critics questioning his decision to attend the engagement ceremony of President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, and Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaya Yunge.
Madowo, who has been a vocal critic of the Ruto administration, attended the colourful Koito engagement ceremony held at President Ruto’s Intona Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County, on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
His presence sparked debate online, with some Kenyans questioning why the journalist would attend an event involving the President’s family despite his criticism of the administration.
Madowo, however, appeared unfazed by the backlash, making it clear that his friendship with Yunge came before the political arguments surrounding the Ruto administration.
“Cancel Larry Madowo. Harusi tunayooo! Hongera sana 👏🏾 Proud of my little brother Isaya for getting his bride Charlene. Welcome to the family,” Madowo stated in a post on his X account on Sunday, August 9.
The journalist has defended his decision to attend, pointing to his close friendship with Yunge. Madowo’s attendance, he maintained, was about supporting a friend on an important personal occasion and not an endorsement of President Ruto’s administration.
Madowo has regularly questioned and criticised the government in his journalism.
The ceremony brought together members of the Ruto family, politicians, business leaders, friends and other prominent guests for the traditional engagement. Charlene and Yunge were at the centre of the celebrations as they marked the beginning of their journey towards marriage.
Yunge expressed his affection for Charlene in a heartfelt message after the ceremony, thanking God for bringing her into his life.
“God gave me His best when He gave me you. Charlene, you are my good thing, my answered prayer and my greatest earthly gift. I will spend forever honouring you,” Yunge said.
The engagement was held in a colourful traditional setting, with guests dressed in coordinated brown outfits. Charlene looked elegant in a brown dress while Yunge complemented her in a brown suit.
The couple also joined traditional Kalenjin dances as relatives and guests celebrated the occasion, adding a strong cultural touch to the high-profile event.
The presence of senior politicians and other public figures inevitably placed the engagement under the political spotlight, even though the occasion was primarily a family celebration.
Yunge, a Tanzanian technology entrepreneur, is known for his work in technology, education and youth empowerment. He is the CEO of SomaApps Technologies, the company behind SomaApp, a platform that connects African students with scholarship opportunities.
He has also held leadership positions in the technology and youth development space and received international recognition for his work, including the Queen’s Young Leader Award in 2018.
