Larry Madowo resumes criticism of Ruto govt days after attending Charlene’s wedding

CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has once again taken aim at President William Ruto’s administration, this time accusing the President’s security forces of killing Kenyans for protesting against or criticising the government.

Madowo made the remarks on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while responding to a post by a local television station on the importance of peaceful protest, criticism and dissent in a democratic society.

The television station had shared a statement attributed to President Ruto, which highlighted the constitutional rights of Kenyans to express themselves and challenge those in power.

“President Ruto: Peaceful protests, criticism and dissent are essential to democracy. No Kenyan should lose their life, liberty or dignity merely for criticising the government, expressing an unpopular opinion or participating in a peaceful demonstration,” the station wrote.

Madowo responded to the post by directly challenging the President’s position, pointing to what he described as the conduct of security forces during protests and demonstrations.

“President Ruto’s security forces have killed many Kenyans just for protesting or criticising his government, blatantly violating their constitutionally guaranteed rights,” Madowo wrote.

Charlene Ruto’s wedding

Madowo’s latest criticism of the government comes only days after he was among the high-profile guests who attended President Ruto’s daughter Charlene Chelagat Ruto’s traditional wedding ceremony.

Charlene celebrated her Koito ceremony on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Ruto family’s expansive Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.

The elaborate cultural ceremony brought together family members, friends, political leaders and other prominent personalities to celebrate Charlene and her Tanzanian fiancé, innovator Isaya Yunge.

Madowo was among the notable guests who attended the event, where he was also seen interacting with President Ruto.

His presence at the ceremony attracted attention because of his well-known record of scrutinising and criticising the President and his administration in his journalism and public commentary.

At the event, Madowo appeared to blend into the carefully coordinated celebrations, stepping out in green as he joined other guests who had turned up for the high-profile occasion.

The colour complemented the broader earth-toned aesthetic of the ceremony, with guests dressed in coordinated brown and earthy shades while Charlene and members of her bridal team incorporated rich green and other complementary colours into their outfits.

Madowo was also captured interacting with President Ruto during the celebrations, adding another notable moment to his appearance at the family occasion.

His attendance subsequently became a subject of discussion among some Kenyans, particularly because of the apparent contrast between his presence at the President’s daughter’s wedding and his frequent criticism of the administration.

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