CNN’s Larry Madowo Warns Public About Fake Post Circulating in Tanzania

By Collins Wasike 

CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has issued a public warning on social media after a fraudulent post falsely attributed to him began circulating widely in Tanzania. The fake message, written in broken Swahili and shared via a Facebook page named “Jafa Love Story,” claimed that Madowo had received death threats from unnamed Tanzanian officials and was seeking financial donations through a bank account.

Madowo swiftly disowned the post, sharing a screenshot on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “This is not me.” He emphasized that the message was a complete fabrication and urged the public not to fall for the scam. “I’ve never asked anyone for money online, and I’m not under threat from Tanzanian authorities,” he clarified in a follow-up post.

The fake publication surfaced just days after Madowo’s investigative report on CNN, which exposed alleged police brutality and killings during protests following Tanzania’s controversial October 29 general elections. The report has drawn international attention and criticism from Tanzanian officials, who accused CNN of biased reporting.

The fraudulent post appears to be part of a broader campaign to discredit Madowo and exploit public sympathy for financial gain. It falsely portrays him as a victim of political persecution and attempts to solicit funds under false pretenses.

Madowo’s quick response highlights the growing challenge of misinformation targeting journalists, especially those reporting on sensitive political issues. He urged his followers to remain vigilant and verify information before sharing it.

“This is a reminder of how easily misinformation can spread,” Madowo said. “Always double-check the source.”

Authorities in Tanzania have not yet commented on the fake post, but media watchdogs have called for greater efforts to combat online scams and protect press freedom in the region.