Larry Madowo Awarded Human Rights Defender of the Year

CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has been named Human Rights Defender of the Year by Kenya’s Defenders Coalition for his coverage of the 2024 Gen Z protests and his work on press freedom across Africa.

The award recognises the role of journalism in protecting democratic space at a time when public dissent faces pressure both offline and online. The Australian High Commission in Nairobi congratulated Madowo and commended his reporting in Kenya and across the region.

Madowo holds a Master’s degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Columbia University. He has worked with several major media organisations, including BBC, CNBC Africa, NTV Kenya, KTN, and now CNN. His reporting has focused on governance, social justice, and media freedom, often in challenging conditions.

Recent coverage by Madowo has highlighted risks faced by journalists in East Africa. He criticised restrictions on independent media in Tanzania and reported an incident in Kenya where he was attacked while covering anti-government protests. His equipment was damaged during the confrontation.

The Defenders Coalition stated that human rights defence extends beyond legal and advocacy work. It noted that journalists contribute by documenting events and maintaining public visibility during periods of unrest.

The award was accepted on his behalf by cartoonist Geoffrey Mwapembwa, known as Gado. The Coalition said the recognition reflects the role of both journalism and satire in supporting accountability and resisting restrictions on civic space.

Madowo’s reporting has helped ensure that protests in Nairobi and other cities remain visible to international organisations and diplomatic missions. His work has attracted criticism from some government figures. Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, described him as a traitor and blocked him on X. 

Madowo responded by saying that journalism should hold power to account. The exchange followed tensions linked to Uganda’s January 2026 presidential election, which was disputed by opposition groups but defended by the government.