NAIROBI, Kenya — Kibra Member of Parliament Peter Orero has come under intense criticism after a road rage altercation with CNN journalist Larry Madowo was captured on video, igniting outrage over the conduct of public officials.
In the viral clip, Orero is seen seated in a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road before confronting Madowo, whose car had refused to give way.
When the journalist began recording the encounter, Orero appeared agitated, allegedly shouting, “Take that video to President William Ruto!”
Madowo, who remained calm during the exchange, responded sharply: “Okay, I will take it to Ruto — that’s the only thing you’re afraid of?” The exchange ended with the MP’s driver hurling insults as the vehicle sped off.
The footage has drawn widespread backlash online, with Kenyans accusing the ODM legislator of abusing power and endangering public safety.
“A whole MP? Is he not supposed to lead by example? Now I am convinced why Gen Z can never trust these leaders,” wrote social media user Naomi Kingola.
Another, Chrispory Ker, commented, “That is an MP — a Kenyan leader. Kenyans have every reason to be worried.”
Orero has not issued a formal statement on the incident. However, ODM insiders privately expressed concern, warning that such confrontations risk tarnishing the party’s public image at a time when youth frustration over governance and integrity is running high.
The National Police Service and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) have not commented on whether any traffic violations will be investigated.
The incident comes barely a month after a public confrontation between Kitutu Chache South MP Antoney Kibagendi and Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi during a funeral in Kisii — another example of what observers see as growing political indiscipline among elected leaders.
Political analyst Dr. Wycliffe Nyandieka says the Orero-Madowo incident underscores a broader “culture of impunity” among sections of the political class.
“Public office should come with restraint. Unfortunately, some leaders behave as though they are above the law, even in full public view,” he noted.
Madowo, who has previously spoken out against harassment and intimidation of journalists, later reposted the video on social media with a brief caption highlighting the dangers of political arrogance and lack of accountability on Kenya’s roads.
As outrage continues to build, Kenyans online are demanding both a public apology and disciplinary action, arguing that the episode is symptomatic of a political elite increasingly out of touch with the values of respect and rule of law.
