Editor's Review

  • CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo on Thursday broke down as he paid tribute to his late grandmother Francesca Madowo as she was laid to rest in Siaya County.

Renowned Kenyan journalist and CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo on Thursday broke down as he paid tribute to his late grandmother Francesca Madowo as she was laid to rest in Siaya County.

In a video shared on his Facebook page, an emotional Larry shed tears and broke down as he recalled the great times he had with his late grandma.

Speaking in his native Luo language, Larry noted that he had a personal relationship with his grandmother, adding that she is the only one who called him ‘Omondi’ while everyone else either used Larry or Madowo.

Larry divulged that his grandmother raised him and his siblings from the age of 10 after they lost their parents.


Larry Madowo and his late grandmother Francisca Madowo. [Photo: Courtesy]

While sharing memories of the moments he shared with his grandma, Larry told a story of how the grandmother would confront him in the evenings, wondering why he did not wave back when she waved at him while he was reading the news on TV, not realizing that Larry was unable to see him on the other side.

As a way of keeping her memory alive, Larry noted that the family will congregate every August at their late grandmother’s home to celebrate her life and that of their late parents.

Larry’s grandma died a week ago after battling with Covid-19 relating complications.

"My grandmother, the family matriarch, our heartbeat, my comedy partner, the dearly loved Francesca Madowo has joined the ancestors. I am numb. My heart has been ripped from my chest. Light has gone out of my life. Nind gi kwe, min Omollo," Larry wrote on social media while announcing her grandma’s death.