CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has revealed that a Kenyan politician has targeted him, by paying goons Ksh100,000 to attack him.
Larry who has been covering protests in Kenya for years, was not in Nairobi during the Saba Saba nationwide demonstrations.
He has said that the goons confessed on camera that they had been offered an extra Ksh100,000, after they failed to attack Madowo during a past protest.
The assailants have also been instructed to vandalise and ruin CNN equipment.
“A Kenyan leader has offered paid goons an extra Ksh100,000 if they attack me while covering the protests, beat me up and damage our equipment.
“They confessed to that on camera because they were not paid for the last protest,” said Madowo.
Also Read: Raila Odinga Issues Statement After Attack on CNN Journalist Larry Madowo
Larry Madowo Says Kenyan Govt Officials are After Him
At the same time, he has noted that pro government accounts online have been calling for his arrest, accusing him of inciting violence.
However, the journalist has chosen to stand his ground, saying that he will not be intimidated by the unnamed government officials.
“Some pro government accounts on social media are calling for my arrest for inciting violence, when all we have done is record what’s going on and call out police brutality,” he added.
“In fact, one law maker has called for my arrest. We will not be intimidated. Journalism is not a crime,” he said.
Also Read: Armed Goons Attack KHRC Offices Ahead of Saba Saba Protests
Why the Journalist Did not Cover Saba Saba
On the other hand, Madowo has explained that he was not in the country to cover the Saba Saba demonstrations because he was on another work assignment.
Additionally, he has explained that his scope of work includes covering events internationally, adding that he was already scheduled to work in Nigeria.
“That is not the reason I am not there today, I am in Nigeria. We planned this weeks ago and I could not cancel it. My job is international correspondent and not Kenyan correspondent.”
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