Larry Madowo Shares Cryptic Photo With Ruto Days After Charlene’s Wedding Backlash
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CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has faced criticism from a section of Kenyans after attending the traditional engagement ceremony of President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, and Tanzanian businessman Isaya Yunge.
The ceremony took place on Saturday, August 8, at President Ruto’s home in Kilgoris, Narok County. Madowo was among the high-profile guests at the event.
Madowo later shared a photo with Charlene and Yunge, describing the groom as his “little brother” and congratulating the couple.
The post sparked mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans questioning his decision to attend the event while others defended him, saying he was simply supporting a longtime friend.
Larry Madowo Congratulates Isaya Yunge and Charlene Ruto
On August 9, Madowo posted photos from the ceremony alongside a message celebrating the newly engaged couple.
“Harusi tunayooo! Hongera sana 👏🏾,” he wrote.
“Proud of my little brother Isaya for getting his bride Charlene. Welcome to the family 🇹🇿 ❤️ 🇰🇪,” Madowo added.
Madowo’s relationship with Yunge has been cited by his supporters as the reason for his presence at the ceremony.
His attendance was therefore seen by some as a personal decision to show up for a friend rather than a political endorsement of President Ruto.
Kenyans Question Madowo’s Attendance
The post quickly attracted criticism, particularly from Kenyans who associate Madowo with his coverage of the country’s Gen Z protests.
Madowo extensively covered the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests and was also on the ground during the 2025 demonstrations. His reporting from the protests earned him praise from some young Kenyans.
His appearance at the high-profile family ceremony therefore caught some people off guard.
Silver wrote,“You trying to show us the middle finger in broad daylight, chonjoooo.”
Jerry wrote, “You can rub it into Kenyans faces however long you want. As always, the day will come and we’ll be there.”
Charles suggested that Madowo could regret some of the posts once emotions around the event had cooled.
“These are the posts one really regrets once the dust has settled…but in the heat of the moment they always seem like the right thing to do,” he wrote.
Hunter accused Madowo of provoking Kenyans, saying he should stop posting about the event.
“Please stop angering Kenyans with these posts,” the commenter said, while referring to the presence of ordinary Kenyans outside the high-end event.
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Some Kenyans Defend the CNN Correspondent
Despite the backlash, some users argued that Madowo should be allowed to attend a friend’s family event.
One supporter Liz said Madowo and Yunge had been friends for a long time and questioned why people were trying to dictate his choices.
“The groom and him have been friend’s for the longest so why y’all dictating his choices for him. He showed up for a friend, Simple.”
User Alfred said congratulating the couple did not amount to supporting President Ruto.
“I don’t understand why some people imagine congratulating this new couple is supporting Ruto.”
He also added that although they supported the opposition side of Kenyan politics, they would still congratulate the couple because “it’s the right thing to do.”
Mwangi said,“On this I understand you, we must show up for our friends… avoid the noise…. but most importantly remember you got a date with Kenyans next year August… usikose itakua moto sana… Wantam must be Wantam.”
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Madowo Tells Critics to ‘Cancel’ Him
As criticism grew, Madowo appeared to turn the backlash into a joke by posting “Cancel Larry Madowo” on August 9.
The CNN correspondent appeared to be rage-baiting his critics, using the phrase that some Kenyans were already directing at him after his appearance at the ceremony.
He appeared unfazed by the criticism. His posts over the following days suggested that he was continuing with his normal work despite the online debate.
On August 10, he shared a CNN profile showing him as an International Correspondent, accompanied by the message: “I’m not an influencer. I hope this helps.”
He also encouraged followers to check out his work, writing, “Peep my mixtape.”
In another post, he shared a video of himself covering floods affecting people, adding,“This is what I do.”
Madowo Shares Photo With President Ruto
The online debate continued on August 11 when Madowo shared a photo of himself laughing alongside President William Ruto.
The image came as criticism over his attendance at Charlene Ruto and Isaya Yunge’s ceremony was still circulating online.
Madowo also appeared to respond to the debate with a lighter approach, with a laugh.
Some users interpreted the posts as Madowo deliberately refusing to be drawn into the criticism.
User Evans joked, “Madowo is giving them sleepless nights🤣.”
Dalmas wrote,“I hope you didn’t go to tell Ruto what we’ve been talking about him here.”
Wambui summed up Madowo’s apparent approach with, “🤣😂🤣😂It’s called ‘Do you I do me’.”
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Photo of Isaya Hinge,Charlene Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto and Kenya President William Ruto during Charlene’s engagement ceremony on August 8
PHOTO/PCS
