When cameras expose power: How Larry Madowo is rewriting accountability
By Luke Oluoch, October 11, 2025Advancements in digital media technology is profoundly revolutionising how Africa, a continent obscured by lagging in technological advancement, is fostering accountability.
From instances of police brutality to human rights abuses, the unblinking eye of the camera is proving to be a massive tool for accountability.
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In Kenya, CNN correspondent journalist Larry Madowo has been a leading voice in advocating social justice and political accountability through his penchant for subtly but powerfully recording his surroundings.
In a recent video shared online, Madowo captured Kibra MP Peter Orero in an incident of flagrant flouting of road rules on October 9, 2025
The legislator was captured driving on the wrong side of the road in Nairobi, forcing Madowo’s car to a halt.
Unknown to the MP, he shrugged off the incident with a few expletives to the journalist, adding “Peleka kwa Ruto” in a loose reference to ” Go submit it to the president” .
Thanks to the power of the camera the incident elicited a wide condemnation from Kenyans. Citizens united in calling the former school administrator to order.
Many condemned the haughty tendency by people once they taste power.
Madowo quest for accountabilty
The Orero video is not an isolated incident; Madowo has been a constant figure pushing for accountability as a member of the fourth estate.
At the height of the 2024 anti-finance bill, the renowned journalist was at the centre of the happening in Kenya, bringing to light cases of massive police abuse and abductions of activists amid anti-tax riots.
Also Watch: Hon. Peter Orero: Politics requires progressiveness.
During the historic march to the parliament building by the Kenyan Gen Zs in June 2024, Larry and his crew used the power of the camera to expose sniper killings outside Parliament, in what later was detailed in a deadly exposé termed Blood parliament.
When police targeted him and his crew, he confronted them on air, forcing accountability.
Thanks to the global viral coverage and the bravery of individuals like Larry, Kenya Kwanza government was forced to withdraw the Finance Bill afterward as accountability won.
The journalist also shared cases of individual Gen Zs being subjected to police brutality when he shared a video of young men stranded in the streets after being cornered during riots to mark the first anniversary of the June 25th protest.
Indeed, through the lens, Larry has been a journalist leading from the front in accountability and exposing evil by the people in power.