Mixed Reactions as Miguna Attacks Madowo Over KCSE Remarks

Kenyans online have reacted to lawyer Miguna Miguna’s attack on CNN Journalist Larry Madowo over his remarks about the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results.

The outspoken lawyer took to his social media account on Wednesday January 10, hauling insults, and using unpalatable terms at Madowo. 

Miguna further took on the renowned journalist noting that foreign travel is not an achievement worth bragging about.

“Larry Madowo thinks that travelling around the world is a great achievement. We won’t let him misguide our children that learning and academic excellence mean nothing,” said the lawyer.

The attacks came after the CNN journalist shared his advice to KCSE 2023 candidates, comparing his results to his travelling history.

Through his Facebook account on Tuesday, Madowo noted, “I failed KCSE, but I did 45 foreign trips last year, 27 countries.”

Furthermore, the renowned journalist went on to share his KCSE grade, noting that it did not limit him from making the trips.

“My B- in the national exam was so bad I was getting pushed to repeat Form 4! Let nobody discourage you,” he added.

However, lawyer Miguna called out Madowo’s remarks, labelling his foreign trips’ sentiments as a way to floss.

“No one forced him, and he didn’t repeat, B- could not and cannot be considered a “fail.” He just wanted to floss, at the expense of our children,” added the lawyer.

Kenyans Agree with Miguna

Following the attack on Madowo, Kenyans online expressed mixed reactions with a section agreeing with lawyer Miguna.

Tureheihi Andrew, a user on X noted, “I agree with you Dr! Traveling around the world is not a measure of success.”

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While still maintaining that academic success is important, Andrew further noted that Madowo’s foreign travels would have been useful under other circumstances.

He added, “The most important aspect should be how his travels have helped to improve the livelihood of Kenyans.”

Another user also agreed with Miguna’s sentiments noting that the renowned journalist was misleading the youth.

“Dr. Miguna you are very right, Larry Madowo should not mislead the youths. Traveling is not an indicator of achievement,” said Eric Onyiego.

Kanyi Gioko also noted that the word failure was completely unnecessary and also spewed negative connotations.

“Travelling is not an achievement, birds and fish travel the world in their migratory patterns. Larry should have focused on his high-net career as an inspiration to the Kenyan youth,” noted Gioko.

Kenyans Defend Madowo

On the other hand, another section of Kenyans came to the defense of the CNN journalist, pointing out what he really intended with his advice.

Wanjohi Mwai noted, “Madowo is living his dream traveling around the world and working at the same time.

Academic excellence or otherwise should not and cannot be used to define humankind.”

Additionally, another user named Osinde defended Madowo noting that people misinterpreted his intended meaning.

“The point wasn’t trashing chasing academic prowess but giving hope to those feeling worthless because of their grades,” he said.