ODM MP Hon. George Peter Kaluma has called for the arrest of a prominent journalist Larry Madowo following the latter’s tweet about alleged government involvement in the abduction of two Kenyan men.
The incident stems from a tweet by Madowo claiming that two young men, Peter Muteti, 22, and Billy Mwangi, 24, were abducted after sharing AI-generated images. According to Madowo, the men remain missing, with their families unaware of their whereabouts.
In a strongly worded statement on Twitter, Kaluma accused Madowo of lacking professionalism and spreading what he described as hateful depictions.
“That you have reposted such things says something about you and your lack of professionalism. Let’s fight for good without encouraging wrongs,” the Homa Bay Town MP wrote.
He further called for Madowo’s prosecution as a secondary offender, tagging government bodies, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the National Police Service (NPS).
The controversy has sparked heated online debates about press freedom and accountability. Critics of Kaluma argue that his remarks stifle journalistic independence and public accountability.
On the other hand, supporters of the MP believe Madowo’s reporting on such sensitive matters risks spreading unverified claims and tarnishing the government’s image.
Madowo has yet to respond publicly to Kaluma’s accusations.
However, the case has drawn attention to the growing use of AI technology and its implications, particularly concerning misinformation and its consequences.
As investigations into the alleged abductions continue, the incident underscores tensions between Kenyan authorities, the press, and the public over sensitive national matters.
The calls for Madowo’s arrest raise questions about the boundaries of free speech and responsible reporting in Kenya’s democratic landscape.
By Newshub