Larry Madowo has shared his experience travelling in a self-driving taxi in Houston, Texas, giving his followers a glimpse into how autonomous vehicles operate without a human driver.
In a video shared on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Madowo documents his journey in a Waymo robotaxi as he travels to 2208 Walker Street, expressing amazement at the technology controlling the vehicle.
“And this is my Waymo in Houston, Texas. No driver. It says LM over there. Is that right? Let’s go,” he says as he prepares for the ride.
As the journey begins, an automated voice reminds him to fasten his seatbelt and explains how he can contact a support agent if he needs assistance.
“Please make sure your seatbelt is fastened,” the system tells him.
“I see that it’s fastened,” Madowo responds, acknowledging the instruction before the vehicle continues navigating the road independently.
Madowo calls the experience witchcraft
Throughout the ride, Madowo observes the vehicle’s movements, drawing attention to the unusual experience of travelling in a car without someone behind the steering wheel.
He also highlights the automated system’s instructions, which guide passengers through aspects of the journey and provide a way to seek assistance when necessary.
At one point, the journalist humorously expresses his disbelief at the technology, describing it as witchcraft.
“And I want to make clear again that this is witchcraft. Cars are not supposed to drive themselves,” he says.
His remarks add humour to the experience while highlighting how autonomous vehicles challenge conventional expectations about driving and human control on the road.
Journalist questions when technology will reach Africa
In the caption accompanying the video, Madowo shifts the conversation towards the possibility of introducing driverless taxis on African roads.
“Would you try a robotaxi or your village people won’t let you? But more importantly, when will this get to African roads?” he asks.
His question invites his followers to consider whether they would trust a vehicle that drives itself, while raising curiosity about when the technology might become available in African cities.
Introducing autonomous taxis across the continent would require consideration of infrastructure, affordability and the ability of the technology to navigate different road conditions.
Madowo’s experience has highlighted the possibilities of driverless transport while opening a conversation about whether African commuters are ready for a future without human drivers.
