Mnikome Kabisa! Larry Madowo dismisses calls to run for president

CNN Correspondent Larry Madowo / FILE

CNN Correspondent Larry Madowo has said he has no interest in vying for political office in Kenya, despite growing pressure from social media users urging him to run for president.

Madowo, a seasoned international journalist and one of the country’s most prominent media personalities, has earned praise for his consistent coverage of injustices in communities across Africa and beyond.

The conversation was sparked on Wednesday when a social media user posed a question to fellow Kenyans: had the thought of Madowo becoming president ever crossed their minds?

“Has anyone thought about Larry Madowo being President of Kenya? He can be amazing,” Eric Mutai posted on X.

Madowo promptly shut down the suggestion, replying: “Immediately, no!”

He went on to express skepticism about how long public support would last, joking that Kenyans might elect him only to later turn against him.

“Mnichague halafu kidogo kidogo Madowo must go?” (You elect me and later say Madowo must go?) “Mnikome kabisa!” (Leave me alone).

The suggestion, however, continued to attract attention.

Another user, TrojanBizzare, argued that backing Madowo could be transformative.

“Why not back Larry? He’s got the vision, the drive and the untapped potential to make waves. Investing in him isn’t just a bet; it’s a bold move to fuel a game-changer. Do you think what I am thinking?” the user wrote.

Others used the moment to reflect on how Kenyans select their leaders.

One user, Startup with Trey, criticized the idea of basing leadership choices on popularity rather than policy.

“Kenyans need to understand that the job of a politician is to create public policy that makes sense for the sovereign while spurring enterprise. A politician is your representative in development. It's not a popularity or likeability contest,” he said.

Madowo currently serves as a CNN International Correspondent and hosts the “African Voices Changemakers” and “Playmakers” series.

He previously worked for the BBC as a North America Correspondent and as the Africa Business Editor.

He is widely recognised for his work across a range of beats, including business, technology, current affairs, politics, and popular culture.