Larry Madowo hits back at criticism over Charlene Ruto's Koito ceremony

CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has responded to online criticism over his attendance at Charlene Ruto’s traditional engagement ceremony, where his presence alongside President William Ruto sparked debate among some Kenyans.

Madowo appeared to brush off the criticism with a tongue-in-cheek post, writing, “Cancel Larry Madowo.”

In another response, he pushed back against expectations that he should account for his attendance, saying he is “not an influencer”.

The debate divided opinion online, with some critics accusing Madowo of compromising his journalistic independence, while others argued that attending a friend’s personal milestone does not prevent a journalist from maintaining professional standards or holding those in power to account.

I’m not an influencer. I hope this helps pic.twitter.com/eVUqfbd7uE

— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) August 10, 2026

Madowo also celebrated Yunge after the ceremony, referring to him as his “little brother”.

“Harusi tunayooo! Hongera sana. Proud of my little brother Isaya for getting his bride Charlene. Welcome to the family,” he wrote.

Madowo was among high-profile guests at Charlene’s Koito ceremony with Tanzanian technology entrepreneur Isaya Yunge, held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County, on Saturday, August 8.

The journalist was seen exchanging pleasantries and chatting with President Ruto during the ceremony, prompting questions from some social media users about whether his attendance was at odds with his work as a journalist known for scrutinising the government.

His attendance, however, appears to have been rooted in a longstanding friendship with Yunge rather than simply his proximity to the Ruto family.

A resurfaced video from 2018 showed Madowo and Yunge together in Finland, where they are seen engaging in a light-hearted conversation.

The footage offered a glimpse into their friendship, which predates Yunge’s relationship with Charlene and her subsequent engagement to the Tanzanian techie.