A heated road rage incident involving CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo and Kibra MP Peter Orero has sparked a wave of outrage across the country after video footage of the confrontation went viral on social media Thursday evening.
In the now widely circulated clip, the ODM legislator is seen in a vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the road, an increasingly common yet illegal practice on Nairobi’s congested streets. Madowo, who was travelling in the opposite lane and following the rules of the road, refused to give way—setting the stage for a tense standoff.
As Madowo began recording the altercation, an irate Orero—seated in the front passenger seat—snapped at him.
“Take [that video] to President William Ruto!” Orero could be heard shouting, echoing sentiments repeated by his visibly agitated driver.
Unfazed, Madowo fired back:
“Okay, I will take it to Ruto. That’s the only thing you are afraid of?”
The MP’s vehicle then sped away on the wrong side, with the driver hurling insults at the journalist, yelling, “Peleka kwa Ruto, taka taka!”—loosely translated as “Take it to Ruto, trash!”
Public Outrage and Leadership Questioned
The video quickly ignited a social media storm, with Kenyans condemning what many described as abuse of power and reckless disregard for traffic laws.
“That is an MP, a Kenyan leader. Kenyans have every reason to be worried,” wrote user Chrispory Ker.
Another user, Naomi Kingola, added, “A whole MP? Is he not supposed to lead by example? Now I am convinced why Gen Z can never trust these leaders!”
The footage, which clearly shows Orero’s car using the wrong lane and obstructing traffic, has revived debate about impunity among public officials, particularly elected leaders who flout the very laws they swore to uphold.
Madowo’s Response
In his typical calm but pointed style, Madowo later confirmed the incident, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“That appears to be a Kenyan lawmaker — Kibra MP Peter Orero — who’s a former high school administrator.”
He added that the ordeal was a stark reminder of the arrogance that still pervades Kenya’s political class, noting that such behavior endangers ordinary motorists daily.
Silence from the MP’s Office
As of press time, MP Peter Orero had not issued a public statement addressing the incident. Attempts by reporters to reach him or his communications team were unsuccessful.
Political observers say the confrontation exposes a growing public resentment toward Kenya’s political elite, particularly among younger Kenyans, who increasingly demand accountability and decorum from leaders.
Traffic impunity in Nairobi—often fueled by VIP convoys and politically connected drivers—remains a sore point for many citizens.
“This isn’t just about Orero or Madowo,” said political analyst Evans Kipruto. “It’s about a mindset where leadership is seen as privilege rather than service. Madowo’s refusal to yield was a statement against that culture.”
