Kasmuel McOure shuts down claims he betrayed Gen Zs, defends move to ODM party
Musical educator turned political firebrand Kasmuel McOure has stepped forward to dismantle swirling rumours that his affiliation with the ODM party signifies a betrayal of Gen Zs and their activism.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, February 20, 2025, 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.
He slammed his critics for branding him a traitor simply because he chose to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The activist, who rose to prominence during the June Gen Z protests, further emphasised that ODM is not in government and, like the Gen Z movement, remains deeply engaged in activism.
He insisted that his political stance should not be misconstrued as betrayal.
“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.
Betrayal accusations
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.
Protest leader
Kasmuel skyrocketed to internet 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.
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