CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo gestures to mourners during the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium, October 17, 2025. /SCREENGRABKenyans took to social media with laughter and witty banter after CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo firmly declared he will ‘never, ever’ join politics.
The celebrated journalist had just received a roaring standing ovation during the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
As chants of “Larry! Larry!” filled the air, a group of enthusiastic mourners punctuated their cheers with the famous ngumi mbwegze fist bump—a gesture often reserved for political mobilisation.
Madowo, clearly taken aback but flattered, bowed humbly, flashing his trademark grin.
But when he realised the crowd was taking his wave and smile as a sign of political interest, he quickly straightened up and protested, “Stop, stop, no, no!” His animated gestures and laughter only made the moment funnier.
Moments later, he shared the 32-second clip on X with a caption that left no room for doubt: “This is nice, but I’m not entering politics. Not now. Not ever. Thanks for your attention to this matter.”
But Kenyans being Kenyans, they turned the post into a comic festival.
One user quipped that such denials often come just before the inevitable political debut. “These are the kind of statements guys start making right before they join politics.”
Another teased that “Piny owacho”—Luo for “the people have spoken”—suggesting it wasn’t up to Madowo anymore.
Others ribbed him with classic Kenyan sarcasm.
“Larry hao watu ata hawajafika 20,” one said, implying his would-be supporters were too few for him to panic about.
Another wondered aloud, “Mbona unacheka na accent?” while one witty user observed, “You can report on politics all you want, Larry, but politics clearly won’t stop reporting back on you. The people already know it. Some callings chase us; don’t run from yours.”
The jokes kept coming. “You don’t enter into politics; politics enter into you,” one person wrote, adding that he should “ask Jalang’o Mwenyewe (Lang'ata MP) about the irresistible pull of the game.
Another teased that “you will not choose, Larry — you will be called,” while others confidently declared, “The people will decide,” and “Actually, when the calling comes, it might not be up to you.”
Amid the banter, one thoughtful user wondered aloud why those seen as capable leaders often avoid elective office.
“No one with a good heart and means well for the citizenry wants to be a politician,” they wrote.
“We have to find out why so that Kenya gets the best leaders. Until then, Aluta continua.”
Madowo didn’t let that one pass quietly. He replied with self-deprecating humour that summed up his reluctance perfectly.
“Two weeks after they elect me: Madowo Must Go!”
The friendly banter once again proved what many Kenyans already know — that when it comes to wit and a good laugh even during moments of grief, Kenyans never disappoint.
