- CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo and his crew were targeted by anti-riot police officers during protests in Nairobi
- Madowo was hit by a fragment from an unknown object, and questioned why the police were aiming at him during a live broadcast.
- Citizen TV's Stephen Letoo also accused the police of targeting journalists and launched tear gas canisters at them.
According to Larry Madowo, anti-riot police officers targeted him and his crew, and a fragment from an unknown object hit him.
Larry Madowo, Stephen Letoo brave police fury during Nane Nane demos
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CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo had a close call during the recent protests in Nairobi.
On Thursday, August 8, Madowo and his crew were on the ground in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) to cover the ongoing demonstrations.
However, what was meant to be a routine report quickly turned dangerous.
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Larry Madowo reporting during the anti-Finance Bill protests
Larry Madowo reporting during the anti-Finance Bill protests
Pulse Live Kenya
While reporting live for CNN, Madowo, clad in protective press gear, suddenly appeared startled.
In a video he shared on social media, he could be seen shouting and instinctively touching his shoulder as if something had struck him.
This happened not once, but twice during the broadcast. Madowo later explained in the video’s caption that anti-riot police officers had targeted him and his crew, and a fragment from an unknown object had hit him.
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"Kenyan police targeted me directly today. I was hit by a fragment after officers aimed at me and my CNN team," Madowo wrote.
CNN journalist Larry Madowo covering the #RejectFinanceBill protests
CNN journalist Larry Madowo covering the #RejectFinanceBill protests
Pulse Live Kenya
The video captured the tense moments as Madowo questioned why the police were aiming at him.
Despite his protests, the officers continued firing as they drove off in their van, showing no signs of stopping.
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"Aaah... that was aimed directly at me. He's aiming directly at me. He's aiming directly at me... aah! He's shooting directly at me. Why are you shooting at me? He is still shooting," Madowo is heard exclaiming in the video as he walked towards the police.
Madowo reported that the police used excessive force during these protests compared to previous demonstrations.
He noted that unlike in earlier protests, the officers were determined to prevent any gathering of protesters, dispersing them at every.
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Citizen TV’s Stephen Letoo tears on camera
Larry Madowo was not the only journalist who faced danger on August 8. Citizen TV's Stephen Letoo also accused the police of targeting journalists during the protests.
A video that has since gone viral shows police officers launching tear gas canisters at journalists covering the demonstrations in Nairobi’s CBD.
In the footage, one of the journalists can be heard shouting as the tear gas was deployed.
Letoo, visibly emotional, took to social media to express his frustration and fear. He accused the police of deliberately harming journalists who were simply doing their job.
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His tearful reaction led many of his followers to question whether he had been directly exposed to the tear gas.
The incidents involving Madowo and Letoo highlight a worrying trend where journalists are increasingly being caught in the crossfire during protests.
As protests continue across the country, there is growing pressure on the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and to respect their role in society.
