CNN’s Larry Madowo Flags Scam Targeting Tanzanians Using His Name

International correspondent Larry Madowo has taken to social media to warn the public about a fraudulent publication circulating in Tanzania.

The fake document, which purports to be from the CNN journalist, solicits financial donations.

This alert comes just days after Madowo aired a high-impact report on the alleged killings that followed Tanzania’s 29 October general elections.

Madowo’s quick action is part of an ongoing battle against misinformation targeting him following his investigation into the post-election violence.

The Fake Donation Appeal

The fraudulent publication, which has gained traction online, appears to be an attempt to exploit the visibility and controversy surrounding Madowo’s recent work.

It asks for financial donations, seemingly aiming to capitalise on public support or concern generated by his reporting.

Madowo quickly flagged the appeal as fake.

"Kuna Watanzania ambao wanawatepeli wenzao kutumia jina langu. Naomba mkome. Sijaomba msaada, sijaomba hela. Sina benki ya Tanzania, sina namba ya Mpesa, sitaki hela ama fedha kutoka kwa yoyote. Kwa hivyo ukiwa na mtu akidai hivyo si kutoka kwangu."

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He has consistently used his platforms to debunk misinformation related to his professional activities, especially those that attempt to solicit funds or manipulate his image.

Background on the Tanzania Report

The circulation of the fake plea follows Madowo's investigative report for CNN regarding the violence and unrest that marred Tanzania's general election held on 29 October 2025.

The election saw incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with a high percentage of the vote, though the opposition rejected the results.

Following the polls, there were widespread protests and claims of excessive force by security forces.

Madowo’s report was significant. It focused on election-related deaths, implicating Tanzanian security forces and even exposing sites that resembled mass graves. The Tanzanian government publicly termed the report as biased.

Misinformation Campaign Intensifies

The fake donation request is not the only piece of misinformation targeting the journalist since the controversial broadcast.

Another manipulation surfaced in the form of an AI-generated video that was widely circulated. This video showed President Samia Suluhu Hassan seemingly praising Madowo for his exposé and, improbably, "offering" him her daughter in marriage.

Fact-checkers identified that the video combined an authentic clip of President Hassan addressing the United Nations General Assembly from 2021 with AI-generated audio to fabricate the comments about Madowo.

"The circulating video combines an authentic clip with AI-generated audio to make it sound like Hassan is talking about Madowo."

The Impact on Journalism

Madowo’s situation highlights the difficulty foreign journalists face when covering politically sensitive events in the region.

CNN correspondent Larry Madowo has previously stated that Tanzania "does not like independent critical reporting" and makes accreditation for foreign media difficult to obtain.

The creation and spread of fraudulent content, whether asking for money or inventing political statements, is often used to discredit or distract from critical journalism.

Madowo's clear and public rejection of the donation plea serves as a necessary warning to the public to verify sources, especially in an environment saturated with digital manipulation.