Kibra Member of Parliament has defended himself following an online uproar triggered by a video shared by CNN journalist Larry Madowo, which appeared to show the lawmaker’s vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road.
The video, posted on social media by Madowo, quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from the public. In the footage, the journalist is heard questioning the MP’s conduct on the road, accusing him of breaking traffic rules.
In his response, the Kibra MP dismissed the criticism, saying the matter had been blown out of proportion by the media and social media users.
“If Jesus were the judge, all he would have asked is, ‘Let any driver who has never driven on the wrong side of the road raise their hands.’ Nobody would,” the MP said in a statement posted on his social media pages.
He argued that driving on the opposite side of the road is not always an offence, pointing out that motorists sometimes do so while overtaking, avoiding obstacles, responding to emergencies, or when attending to urgent national duties.
The MP also accused Madowo of using his large social media following to intimidate people, saying this was not the first time the journalist had done so.
“Larry has a history of activism,” the legislator said. “Activists by nature tend to have problems with high-profile people, even when they don’t know them personally.”
Supporters of the MP have also questioned whether the video actually shows any wrongdoing, noting that there was no clear evidence of obstruction or endangerment of other road users.
“The clip only shows an exchange between two drivers,” said one commentator. “That kind of reaction is very common on our roads, and this one must never be an exemption,” said one the lawmaker’s fnas.
Critics, however, insist that public leaders should set an example by following traffic rules at all times—regardless of the situation.
Traffic experts note that although exceptional circumstances such as emergencies may justify use of the opposite lane, the Traffic Act still considers wrong-side driving an offence, unless done under police direction or escort.
The exchange between the MP and Madowo has once again highlighted the uneasy relationship between media personalities and public officials, and the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion.
As the debate continues, the MP’s statement has drawn both criticism and support, with many echoing his words:
“If Jesus were the judge, all he would have asked is, ‘Let any driver who has never driven on the wrong side of the road raise their hands.’ Nobody would.”
