Political Activist and Inject Party leader, Morara Kebaso, has sent a heartfelt plea asking Kenyans to forgive Musician turned political firebrand, Kasmuel McOure.
Taking to his socials on Friday, May 9, Morara stated that while youth leaders make mistakes, this should not be a reason for their 'de-platforming.
He noted that Leadership is a learning process and Mistakes are part of the lessons, urging Kenyans to give Kasmuel a second chance.
" Please Forgive Kasmuel McOure, allow him and other youth leaders retrace their steps and build the new Kenya we want. Mistakes are the road-signs on the highway to success." Morara said.
Kasmuel skyrocketed to fame in June 2024 at the height of the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests, where he became a defining face of the movement.
Dressed in sharp suits and delivering scathing rebukes against the government, he quickly gained a massive following both on the streets and online.
His credibility came under fire months later, however, when he refused to stand with fellow activist Morara Kebaso during the public participation forum on the special motion to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office at the Bomas of Kenya in October of 2024.
Morara was nearly attacked after fiercely criticising the government, yet Kasmuel, instead of backing him, aligned himself with Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang and spoke favourably of President William Ruto’s administration.
The move triggered intense backlash, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where critics accused him of selling out.
Facing relentless online scrutiny, Kasmuel hit back with a fiery statement, challenging his detractors to prove he had been bought.
“If I ever sell my integrity, I’ll be the first to admit it. If you have any proof of the so-called payout I’ve received, bring it to the table,” he fired back.
He went on to dismiss threats of being de-platformed, asserting that his impact extended far beyond social media noise.
“Why would anyone threaten me with de-platforming? The real challenge is de-platforming me from your mothers’ hearts—because they see past the nonsense and sensationalism you’re pushing,” he wrote.
Kasmuel was months later on the receiving end once again, branded a traitor after he chose to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party led by Raila Odinga.
During an interview earlier in February this year, Kasmuel criticised those trying to strip him of his democratic right to political freedom, arguing that his decision to align with ODM does not equate to him abandoning the Gen Z movement.
“I have never turned my back on the Gen Z movement. ODM’s heart beats for Kenya; its lifeblood is the needs of Kenyans. I owe no apology to anyone attempting to trample on my democratic rights,” he declared.
Kasmuel shifted his tone when confronted with claims that Gen Zs felt betrayed by his transition into party politics.
Initially reluctant to address the matter, he later dismissed the accusations, arguing that those spreading such claims were not true Gen Z activists but individuals with selfish agendas.
He called out tribalists, opportunists who profit from grant funding, and those who fuel protests without clear objectives, insisting that they were the real culprits behind the betrayal narrative.
According to Kasmuel, those perpetuating the betrayal claims were the same people who paid underprivileged youths to flood the streets in protest while they themselves lounged in luxury, masquerading as genuine activists.
“ODM is not in coalition with the government. I have nothing to say about betrayal. The only people I ‘betrayed’ are tribalists, those who exploit others to fight on the frontlines while they reap the benefits. I also ‘betrayed’ career activists who thrive on endless protests without ever pushing for real change,” he stated.
Kasmuel Mc’Oure was at the forefront of the Gen Z movement, a symbol of hope and resistance. His gift of the garb was seen as an asset and thus became a constant feature on our screens. At some point, people even likened him to the charismatic leader of our independence era, Tom Mboya. His decision to join the ODM party’s youth wing thus left many questioning his motives and loyalty.
While he has defended his choice, arguing that aligning with a political party is a personal decision, he must now bear the consequences of being labelled a sellout. No amount of justification or political pampering will shield him from the shame that comes with such a tag.
Imagine this: next time his age mates take to the streets to protest against the government, they will, in essence, be demonstrating against him. Where will his conscience be if more young lives are lost or brutalised in the process? History is replete with examples of those who betrayed their comrades for personal gain.
Kasmuel’s predicament is unique. He wants to speak for Gen-Z while dining at the high table with those the movement seeks to hold accountable. This duality will haunt him. While he may enjoy a promising political career under ODM’s patronage, he will face relentless criticism from those who see him as a traitor.
