CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo has disclosed receiving threatening messages from individuals identifying themselves as a Ugandan woman and a Tanzanian man.
The messages were shared publicly on social media on Tuesday, where Madowo highlighted their content and context.
According to the journalist, the threats followed his recent reporting in East Africa, including a documentary on Tanzania that examined the killing of protesters during the country’s controversial elections.
He has also been covering political campaigns in Uganda ahead of the January 15, 2027, general elections.
In one message attributed to a Ugandan woman, the sender accused Madowo of promoting mediocrity and warned that citizens would act against him before the government did.
The message further included a threat of using “traditional” means if physical confrontation was not possible.
Another message, attributed to a Tanzanian man and written in Swahili, warned Madowo to stop “tarnishing” Tanzania’s image.
The sender claimed he could be harmed using witchcraft, suggesting he could be made mentally ill through traditional practices.
CNN journalist Larry Madowo. Photo Courtesy/CNN
Reacting to the messages, Madowo treated the matter lightly in his public post but still drew attention to the seriousness of the threats.
“A Ugandan and a Tanzanian are threatening to bewitch me,” he wrote, adding a rhetorical question on belief of African science.
Larry Madowo is one of Kenya’s most prominent international journalists, with a large following across Africa and beyond.
His reporting has often focused on governance, accountability, and human rights, subjects that have previously attracted both praise and criticism online.