CNN journalist Larry Madowo has sparked widespread debate online after criticizing Kenyan police over what he described as selective handling of public gatherings.
His remarks came after thousands of Arsenal F.C. fans flooded the streets of Nairobi to celebrate the club’s English Premier League title victory after 22 years.
Supporters wearing Arsenal jerseys took over major roads including Kimathi Street, Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya Street, and Uhuru Highway, causing heavy traffic and drawing massive crowds in the CBD. Despite the large turnout, police officers reportedly allowed the celebrations to continue peacefully without major confrontation.
Reacting to the scenes, Madowo questioned why similar treatment is rarely seen during anti-government demonstrations.
“Kenyan police allowed Arsenal fans to gather and disperse peacefully but they never allow the same youth to protest against the government without killing some,” he wrote on social media.
He further added that young people appear free to celebrate foreign football clubs but face harsh responses when demanding accountability from their own leaders.
The comments quickly went viral, reigniting conversations around police conduct, freedom of assembly, and the handling of protests in Kenya.
Madowo has previously covered anti-government demonstrations extensively, including the 2024 Finance Bill protests and later demonstrations that were marked by violent clashes between protesters and security officers.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about the use of force during protests and have continued calling for accountability from security agencies.
The contrast between the peaceful Arsenal celebrations and previous protest crackdowns has since become a major talking point among many young Kenyans online.
