News
Larry Madowo Responds to Calls to ‘Cancel’ Him After Attending Charlene Ruto’s Engagement

CNN journalist Larry Madowo has pushed back against calls by some Kenyans to “cancel” him after he attended the engagement ceremony of President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto.
Madowo was among guests at the traditional Koito ceremony held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County, where Charlene formally celebrated her engagement to Tanzanian technology entrepreneur Isaya Yunge.
The event brought together members of the two families, as well as friends and other invited guests, for a traditional ceremony ahead of the couple’s wedding.
Madowo’s presence attracted attention because of his highly visible coverage of Kenyan politics and his reporting on the Ruto administration, particularly during the 2024 anti-government protests.
His reporting during the protests earned him the Human Rights Defender of the Year award from the Defenders Coalition earlier this year. The recognition cited his coverage of the protests and human rights issues in Kenya and the wider East African region.
The journalist is currently a CNN international correspondent based in Nairobi. CNN recently announced that he would become the host of African Voices Changemakers, a long-running program highlighting influential Africans across areas including culture, business, sports and the arts.
Madowo faces criticism over attendance
Following his appearance at Charlene’s engagement, some Kenyans on X questioned why he would attend a family occasion involving the president despite his often critical reporting and public commentary on the government.
Madowo responded to the criticism with a short remark that appeared to mock the calls for him to be ostracised.
“Cancel Larry Madowo,” he wrote.
The reaction highlighted a familiar debate in Kenya’s increasingly political social-media environment: whether disagreements over politics should extend to people’s private relationships and family occasions.
Some users supported the journalist, arguing that attending a friend’s or acquaintance’s family ceremony does not necessarily amount to endorsing the political views of relatives involved.
Others took the opposite position, saying public figures should expect scrutiny when they appear alongside political leaders or members of their families.
The reactions were particularly notable given Madowo’s record of reporting on politically sensitive issues in Kenya.
During the 2024 protests, for example, Madowo reported live for CNN from Nairobi as police confronted demonstrators. On one occasion, he said officers had aimed weapons directly at him while he was covering the unrest. CNN broadcast his account of the incident.
He has also faced criticism and threats connected to his reporting. In July 2025, Madowo said an unnamed Kenyan political leader had offered money to individuals to attack him while he covered protests. The allegation was reported at the time, although the identity of the politician was not publicly established in the reports.
Supporters say politics should not dictate friendships
Some of the responses to the controversy argued that Madowo’s attendance should be viewed as a personal decision rather than a political statement.
One social-media user, Alicia Kerry, argued that people criticizing the journalist might behave differently if they themselves received an invitation from the president or his family.
Another user, identified as ItsGregy, questioned why political disagreements should prevent someone from attending the ceremony of a close friend.
Similar comments argued that politicians, journalists and other public figures can maintain personal relationships that exist independently of their professional or political positions.
That distinction is particularly relevant in Kenya, where political alliances often dominate public discussion and social-media conversations.
Charlene herself has previously spoken against online hostility and “cancel culture.” In 2025, she called for Kenyans to abandon what she described as violence, cyberbullying, revenge and cancel culture in favour of dialogue and reform.
Charlene and Isaya celebrate traditional engagement
The ceremony marked an important stage in Charlene and Isaya’s relationship as their families formally came together.
Koito is a traditional Kalenjin marriage ceremony involving the coming together of the bride’s and groom’s families. Such ceremonies typically provide an opportunity for relatives to formally acknowledge the relationship and participate in preparations for the marriage.
The engagement has attracted considerable public interest because Charlene is the daughter of the sitting Kenyan president and has maintained a prominent public profile through her youth-focused activities and national engagements.
Charlene has increasingly attracted attention independently of her father’s political career. She has described her work as focused largely on young people, leadership and opportunities for the country’s youth. The Standard has previously profiled her public activities and her efforts to establish an identity separate from her father’s presidency.
The relationship has also brought a Kenyan-Tanzanian dimension to the occasion, with Isaya Yunge being identified as a Tanzanian technology entrepreneur.
Ruto celebrates daughter’s new chapter
President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto joined in celebrating their daughter’s engagement.
In a message following the ceremony, the president congratulated Charlene and Isaya and described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter for his daughter.
Ruto said he and Rachel were celebrating with “grateful hearts” as Charlene began the new chapter with her fiancé and expressed pride in the couple.
He also assured the couple of the family’s continued support.
The president’s involvement ensured that the ceremony attracted significant public attention, with photographs and videos from the occasion circulating widely online.
For Madowo, however, the controversy was less about the engagement itself than about whether his presence should be interpreted as a political endorsement.
The journalist has built his career around covering politics, business, human rights and major events across Africa. His professional work has frequently placed him in situations where his reporting has attracted both praise and criticism from opposing political camps.
His attendance at a private family celebration therefore appears to have opened a broader conversation about where Kenyans draw the line between journalism, politics and personal relationships.
For those defending Madowo, attending an engagement ceremony does not erase his record as a journalist or automatically change his views about the government.
For his critics, however, appearing at such a high-profile family event raises questions about the relationship between public figures and political power.
The debate has consequently moved beyond Charlene Ruto’s engagement itself, becoming another example of how Kenya’s political divisions increasingly spill into personal relationships and social-media conversations.
News
Federal Judge Revokes Citizenship of North Carolina Man Convicted of Child Sex Crimes

RALEIGH, N.C. — A federal judge has revoked the U.S. citizenship of a 72-year-old Durham County man who admitted to making false statements during the naturalization process while concealing criminal conduct, federal authorities announced.
Cyril Domaquik Clemens, a native of Liberia, was sentenced to time served on September 17, 2026, after pleading guilty to naturalization fraud. The court also revoked his naturalized citizenship and ordered him to leave the United States at his own expense, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal prosecutors said Clemens made false statements under penalty of perjury on his citizenship application and during an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
According to prosecutors, Clemens answered “no” when asked whether he had ever forced or attempted to force someone into sexual contact or committed a crime for which he had not been arrested.
Clemens became a naturalized U.S. citizen in February 2021. Authorities said the criminal conduct at issue began before he applied for citizenship, meaning the information he withheld was relevant to his naturalization proceedings.
Clemens subsequently pleaded guilty to naturalization fraud in federal court in June 2026, acknowledging the false statements that formed the basis of the prosecution.
The federal case followed his earlier guilty plea in Durham County Superior Court in April 2023 to three counts of indecent liberties with a child. According to the Justice Department, the offenses occurred over an extended period, beginning before Clemens submitted his citizenship application.
The state criminal proceedings and the federal fraud case addressed separate offenses. The state case involved the child sex crimes, while the federal prosecution concerned the false statements made during the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship.
The federal judge revoked Clemens’ citizenship after the fraud conviction and ordered him to leave the country at his own expense. The order to depart is a separate consequence from the revocation of his citizenship. The available announcement does not establish whether he has completed his departure from the United States.
Federal law permits the government to seek denaturalization when citizenship was illegally obtained or secured through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. The legal requirements are outlined in Section 1451 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code.
The investigation involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Authorities said the case was pursued as part of Operation False Haven, an initiative targeting immigration fraud involving individuals who allegedly concealed disqualifying criminal histories or other material information.
The case highlights the potential legal consequences of providing false information during the U.S. naturalization process, particularly when the concealed information concerns serious criminal conduct.
For additional details, readers can consult the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, which publishes federal prosecution announcements and information about cases handled in the district.
KSN Media Hub will continue to follow developments involving federal court rulings, immigration enforcement, and public safety.
This report is based on publicly available government announcements and legal information. Allegations and case details are attributed to prosecutors and official records.
News
Woman Interrupts Church Wedding With Children, Claims Groom Is Her Husband

A wedding ceremony was reportedly interrupted after a woman arrived at a church with her children and confronted a groom she claimed was still her husband.
The woman, who was carrying a baby on her back, reportedly approached the altar and called on her other children to stand beside her as she addressed the congregation.
The incident attracted attention online after footage circulated showing the confrontation unfolding in front of the bride, who was dressed in a white wedding gown, and other wedding attendees.
According to an account published by TUKO.co.ke on October 12, the woman claimed that she and the groom had neither divorced nor separated.
The video, attributed to Ripple Effects in the report, ended without revealing how the confrontation was resolved or whether the wedding eventually proceeded.
Woman says she received information about the wedding
According to the woman’s account as reported by TUKO.co.ke, the man had left home earlier that morning, telling her he was travelling upcountry.
She alleged that she later received information suggesting he was preparing to marry another woman.
The tip-off reportedly prompted her to go to the church, where she confronted the groom in front of the congregation.
During the exchange, she maintained that their relationship had not formally ended and called their children forward as she challenged the ceremony.
Her statements formed the centre of the confrontation, although the groom’s response and his account of the relationship were not included in the material available for this report.
Bride caught in an unexpected confrontation
The incident reportedly left the bride and other people attending the ceremony visibly surprised.
According to the description accompanying the footage, the bride remained near the altar as the woman addressed the congregation. The groom was also present during the exchange, while the priest and other church participants watched.
The available video did not establish whether the ceremony was suspended, cancelled or later continued.
It also did not provide independent confirmation of the woman’s marital status or clarify whether any legal proceedings had taken place before the planned wedding.
Similar incidents have been reported before
Church confrontations involving disputed relationships are not entirely new in news coverage.
In October 2014, The Standard reported a separate incident in Kariobangi South, Nairobi, in which a woman disrupted a church service while alleging that her husband had neglected her and their child.
The circumstances of that earlier incident were different, and there is no evidence linking it to the current video. It nevertheless illustrates how disputes over family responsibilities and relationships can sometimes become public during religious gatherings.
Read The Standard’s 2014 report.
Questions remain unanswered
The latest wedding incident has generated questions about the groom’s relationship with the woman, the bride’s knowledge of the alleged marriage and the eventual outcome of the ceremony.
However, the available footage and published account do not answer those questions conclusively.
KSNMediaHub.com could not establish an independent report confirming the identities of those involved, the location of the church or the legal status of the relationship.
The woman’s statements should therefore be understood as allegations rather than established findings. A response from the groom, the bride or other people directly involved could provide additional context.
News
Fred Machoka Breaks Silence Over Golden Jubilee Rhumba Concert Drama Involving His Niece, Gloria Owoba

Veteran Kenyan broadcaster Fred Machoka has expressed gratitude following his Golden Jubilee Rhumba concert, reflecting on the concerns that surrounded the event before it brought together celebrated musicians from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The landmark celebration attracted Rhumba enthusiasts eager to watch established performers, including Congolese music star Koffi Olomide, legendary singer Mbilia Bel, Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika.
However, the concert also generated online discussion following separate incidents involving Koffi Olomide and former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, drawing attention away from some of the evening’s musical highlights.
In a post-event message cited by TUKO.co.ke, Machoka opened up about the uncertainty the organising team faced before the concert, including concerns about weather conditions and fears that an Ebola-related scare might affect attendance.
Despite those worries, the veteran broadcaster expressed relief that the event went ahead as planned.
Fred Machoka reflects on concerns before the concert
Machoka said the organising team had been anxious about whether external circumstances would disrupt the celebrations, particularly the possibility of rain affecting the event.
He also recalled concerns about whether Ebola-related fears might discourage people from attending.
In his post, Machoka credited God for helping the organisers overcome their worries and deliver the celebration.
His remarks offered a glimpse into the pressures associated with organising a major live music event featuring internationally recognised performers and a large audience.
The broadcaster also thanked fans who turned up to support the concert, praising their enthusiasm and the reception given to the musicians.
Koffi Olomide delivers an extended performance
Koffi Olomide was among the evening’s headline performers, with Machoka praising the Congolese star for entertaining fans during an extended set.
According to the remarks quoted by TUKO.co.ke, Koffi performed for approximately two hours, while his wife, Cindy Le Cœur, and other musicians also contributed to the programme.
Mbilia Bel, Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika were among the established acts associated with the concert, which celebrated the enduring popularity of Rhumba music across East Africa.
The event highlighted the genre’s continued appeal among audiences who appreciate its distinctive guitar arrangements, harmonies and dance rhythms.
Machoka also recognised the contribution of the event’s presenters and hosts, including Jeff Koinange, Mwalimu Churchill, Eric Latiff, Dee and Patrick Igunza.
He thanked those involved in making the programme possible and indicated that another edition could be considered in the future.
Gloria Orwoba incident draws attention
Despite the music performances, the event attracted controversy after former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba reportedly encountered a difficult moment on stage.
TUKO.co.ke reported that Orwoba was asked to leave the stage amid chants from some members of the audience.
The incident generated discussion online, with attention also directed at her relationship with Machoka, who is her uncle.
However, the circumstances surrounding the exchange and the motivations of individual audience members should not be assumed beyond what can be established from verified footage and accounts.
The episode added a political dimension to an event primarily organised to celebrate music and Machoka’s milestone.
Disagreement involving Koffi Olomide also discussed
A separate incident involving Machoka and Koffi Olomide also attracted attention after footage and accounts of an apparent disagreement circulated on social media.
The exchange became another talking point following the concert, prompting discussion about what had happened between the veteran broadcaster and the Congolese musician.
The available account does not, on its own, establish the full circumstances of the disagreement or either man’s complete perspective on the incident.
Further details should therefore be attributed to verified footage or direct statements from the individuals involved rather than speculation.
Machoka focuses on gratitude and the possibility of another concert
Despite the controversies, Machoka’s post-event message emphasised appreciation for the fans, musicians, presenters and other people who contributed to the celebration.
His remarks suggested that he regarded the event as an important milestone, notwithstanding the challenges and public discussion surrounding it.
He also left open the possibility of organising another edition, while acknowledging that a repeat event was not guaranteed.
The Golden Jubilee celebration brought together generations of Rhumba performers and audiences, underlining the genre’s lasting place in Kenya’s entertainment scene.
For Machoka, the response from music lovers appeared to be a central part of the experience, even as the incidents involving Orwoba and Koffi continued to generate debate after the final performances.
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