Larry Madowo Says He Joined CNN to Correct How Foreign Media Airs African Stories

- Larry Madowo said he saw coming back home as a challenge to telling the African story in a way he finds objective

- The journalist said he was happy that CNN committed resources to cover developments in the continent

- The reporter covered the Derek Chauvin trial in the US and noted it was one of the most important stories he's ever done

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Journalist Larry Madowo has detailed why he quit the BBC's America office to take up a new role as CNN's Nairobi-based correspondent.

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It is no secret that most Africans are never pleased with the narrative that foreign media tries to portray about Africa, and it appears, Larry is one of them.

Speaking to South African news outlet BizComunnity, Madowo said he has always been critical of foreign media's coverage of Africa and saw it as a challenge.

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He said he wanted the audience to hold him accountable to the same standards he preached, hence help change the narrative.

"I’ve always been critical of some of the foreign media’s coverage of Africa, so I felt challenged when the CNN opportunity came up. It’s easy to criticise other journalists’ African reporting from the comforts of America, but I chose to come back, so the audience can hold me accountable to the same standards I preached," he said.

Madowo also mentioned the privilege of covering Africa's history as it is written in real-time and was happy that CNN committed resources to cover developments in the continent.

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He said he was looking forward to reconnecting with friends and colleagues in the African region and mentioned it was bittersweet leaving behind "kind and thoughtful people in North America", but he felt he made the right decision.

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The reporter covered the Derek Chauvin trial in the US and noted it was one of the most important stories he's ever handled because it tested him personally and professionally.

The proud Siaya man said his biggest motivation is to make the Madowo name proud and felt he had come too far to disgrace them.

He advised young journalists to keep learning and developing their own style, plus never forget to enjoy the journey.

Straight to business

Madowo had not even settled in Kenyan before making his CNN debut, just a day after arriving from the US.

The celebrated newsman held his last assignment for BBC on May 15 when he paid tribute to the team behind the news.

On May 17, Larry announced his CNN debut by reporting on two shows, Hala Gorani Tonight and Quest Means Business.

In his reports, Larry highlighted how the COVID-19 crisis in India is putting Africa at risk and that Kenya is weeks away from running out of vaccines.

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Earlier, Briefly News reported that former US president Barack Obama's half brother Malik Obama has once again attacked the ex-head of state.

Malik Obama said his brother became a snob when he ascended to the presidency of the most powerful nation on earth and abandoned his Kenyan family when they needed him the most.

In a virtual interview with the New York Post, a bitter Malik Obama said he noticed Barack Obama wanted to be worshipped after he became successful and Malik, as the elder brother, could not stoop that low.

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Source: Briefly News