CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has responded bluntly to a Kenyan social media user who claimed the journalist had lost their respect following his attendance at Charlene Ruto’s koito ceremony.

The exchange came amid continued online criticism of Madowo over his appearance at the traditional engagement ceremony of President William Ruto’s daughter and Tanzanian technology entrepreneur Isaya Yunge.
A social media user identified as @FlyingeagleKe told Madowo, “You lost our respect,” in a comment directed at the journalist.
Madowo responded without offering a lengthy explanation, writing:
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“I'm going to hold your hand when I tell you this: I don't care.”
The blunt response quickly became another talking point in the debate surrounding his attendance at the high-profile family event.

Why Madowo attended the ceremony

Madowo attended Charlene and Yunge’s koito, which was held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County, on August 8.
His presence attracted attention because of his public image as a journalist known for scrutinising political leaders and reporting on government affairs.
Some Kenyans questioned whether attending an event involving the President’s family was consistent with the journalist’s professional image, particularly given his coverage of political issues and government accountability.
Madowo, however, has maintained that his attendance was based on his personal relationship with the groom rather than his political views.
The journalist has described Yunge as a longtime friend and later congratulated him publicly after the ceremony.
“Harusi tunayooo! Hongera sana. Proud of my little brother Isaya for getting his bride, Charlene. Welcome to the family.”
His explanation has not completely settled the issue among his critics, with some continuing to argue that his presence at the event created an uncomfortable association with the political establishment.
Larry Madowo // Facebook

Criticism follows Madowo online.

The latest exchange is not the first time Madowo has faced criticism over the koito.
Following the ceremony, some social media users called for the journalist to be “cancelled,” arguing that his appearance at the event conflicted with the positions he has taken while covering political affairs.
Other Kenyans, however, defended him, arguing that journalists should be allowed to maintain personal friendships outside their professional responsibilities.
The debate has largely centred on whether a journalist’s private relationships should influence how audiences perceive their professional work.
Madowo has previously pushed back against the criticism, questioning why someone should be expected to avoid a friend’s family celebration simply because of political differences.
Larry Madowo // Instagram

Madowo remains outspoken

Despite the backlash, Madowo has continued to comment on political and social issues.
His response to the latest critic comes just days after he made headlines for his appointment as the new host of CNN International’s African Voices Changemakers, a programme that highlights people across Africa making an impact in their communities and industries.
Madowo said the new role was a full-circle moment for him, having previously appeared on the programme before joining CNN.
The journalist has also continued to speak on issues involving the Kenyan government. On September 2, he condemned the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, calling for journalists to be allowed to carry out their work without fear.
“Overnight, a prominent Kenyan editor was abducted by gun-wielding men after a series of newspaper stories critical of President Ruto and his government. Journalism is not a crime.”
With his latest social media exchange, Madowo appears determined not to let online criticism dictate his personal choices.
While his critics continue to question his decision to attend Charlene Ruto’s koito, his latest response suggests that he has no intention of apologising for maintaining personal relationships outside his professional life.