'He apologised to court, not me' — Madowo mulls suing MP’s driver

CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo. /LARRY MADOWO/FACEBOOK

The legal nightmare borne out of a single driving incident involving Kibra MP Peter Orero’s driver, George Oduor, appears far from over — even after his conviction and sentencing on Monday.

Oduor, who was caught on camera overlapping on the wrong side of Oloitoktok Road in Nairobi, was fined Sh100,000 or, in default, committed to a 12-month jail term by Milimani magistrate Rose Ndombi.

The offence, captured by CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo, drew widespread public attention after the driver’s defiant reaction.

Oduor pleaded guilty, telling the court he was a first-time offender and had only been rushing to the airport.

“I was rushing to the airport and there was traffic, so I thought I could overtake to save time. I’m a first-time offender and I will not repeat the mistake,” he said.

But prosecutors urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, arguing that Oduor’s actions were deliberate and his behaviour on camera reflected “arrogance and impunity.”

The magistrate agreed, noting that the sentence served both punitive and deterrent purposes.

“Having heard the mitigation and considering the sentence as provided for in law, this court fines you Sh100,000, failing which you will be jailed for 12 months,” ruled Magistrate Ndombi.

The case stems from an incident last week when Madowo blocked MP Orero’s Toyota Prado after it dangerously overlapped into oncoming traffic.

The visibly irritated driver verbally confronted the journalist, calling him “takataka” (trash) and telling him to “take the clip to Ruto,” suggesting he was untouchable and only the President had the power to act.

In court, Oduor apologised over his behaviour and pleaded for leniency, a point that reignited public debate after an advocate suggested that Madowo take the matter further.

On Tuesday, the advocate advised Madowo via social media to consider pressing defamation charges against the driver.

“Good morning, Larry. What you did was commendable. Apart from the traffic offence, you can also pursue him for defamation for calling you takataka. Please reach out for purposes of writing a demand letter to have him render an apology,” the advocate wrote.

Madowo shared a screenshot of the message on his Facebook page, responding: “He apologised to the court but not to me.”

The journalist, however, said he would base his decision on public opinion.

“What do you guys think? Yes or no? I’ll do whatever the public decides,” he posted — igniting a social media frenzy.

Within three hours, the post had attracted over 13,000 reactions and over 6,000 comments, sharply dividing opinion.

Some backed the idea of a defamation suit, urging Madowo to “do the necessary” and “let no stone remain unturned.”

Others, however, argued the insult was too mild to warrant legal action.

“Filing a defamation letter over takataka is peak comedy. In Kenya, that word is used more than hello. If we sued for that, half of Nairobi would be in court and the other half would be witnesses,” one comment read.

Another joked, “He didn’t mention President Ruto; he said Ruto, a traffic officer in Eldoret. Don’t misquote these people.”

Others offered empathy: “Do not kick a man who is already on the floor, reeling in pain,” while another pleaded: “Let it go, Larry. The guy was charged, and I think he learned his lesson.”

Despite the humorous tone of many responses, the issue has sparked broader reflection on road safety, privilege, and accountability for public officials and their aides.

As of Tuesday evening, Madowo had yet to announce his decision.

Meanwhile, the court granted Oduor 14 days to appeal, a stark reminder that impunity on Kenyan roads can carry a heavy price.