The meeting between President William Ruto and Kasmuel McOure who was part of the proponents of the Gen Z-led anti-government protests in June and July 2024 has caused a stir on
social media.
The popular Kenyan activist has evolved over a period of less than six months from a government critic to rubbing shoulders with top government officials.
His transformation has seen him make new friends and foes in equal measure and below are some timelines in this evolution.
The beginning: Hanging out with Sylvanus Osoro
The popular Kenyan activist found himself at the centre of controversy on Wednesday, September 18, after a photo of him with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Majority Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro went viral.
The photos sparked backlash from a section of Kenyans, accusing McOure of fraternising with government officials whom he has previously criticised when Kenyans took to the streets in a wave of deadly protests that left many dead or missing with many more injured.
Warming up to Raila
From the streets, Kasmuel found his way to rubbing shoulders with notable politicians in the country, including former Prime Minister who he heaped praises on.
READ: Kasmuel’s meeting with Ruto & 4 lessons Cherargei wants Gen Zs to learn
The first meeting with Raila birthed subsequent ones that saw Kasmuel officially join ODM party.
His relationship with the ODM boss deepened after joining the orange party and was at one point pictured enjoying a chopper ride with the veteran politician.
Joining ODM party & special assignment
Amid speculation from critics that he was keen on advancing his personal interests, Kasmuel McOure joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Raila Odinga.
He met ODM chairperson, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga issued a statement confirming his support for party, pledging to help the party expand its reach and net new members especially by reviving youth and student leagues nationwide.
We’re revitalizing the youth and students’ leagues and are calling on passionate young Kenyans to help shape our future. Stand with us!
If you’re willing to join a substantive political movement for a fair, democratic Kenya where everyone can live with dignity, consider ODM – the largest pro-people party in East and Central Africa!
Being turned back & heckled at protests
His new-found friends in high places including in the same government that Kenyans took to the streets in protest against did not go down well with everyone.
He came under heavy criticism with some accusing him of using the protests to advance his personal interests while others opined that he was not genuine from the start, citing the speed with which he embraced politicians who in the government and joined Raila Odinga-led ODM party.
The singer-turned-political activist was on Tuesday December 10, 2024 booed and chased away by protesters participating in the anti-femicide demonstrations at the Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
This was a stark contrast to his entries during the Gen Z demos that propelled him to prominence on social media.
Protesters who were not happy with his presence told him to go home with the criticism extending to social media where a section of Kenyans on X calling him out for what they termed as being the “people’s sellout.”
Meeting with Ruto on December 22, 2024
Kasmuel McOure met President William Ruto on Sunday, December 22, 2024 with Nandi Senator Samson Chergargei celebrating the meeting and highlighting lessons that he wants Kenya’s youth to learn.
Acknowledging Kasmuel’s transformation from a fierce government critic to rubbing shoulders with the President and Raila Odinga, Cherargei noted that his change in tact is worth emulating.
According to Cherargei, politics is all about interests and Gen Zs need to learn a thing or two from Kasmuel.
To Genz what do you learn from this picture? Your mantra of tribeless, leaderless, agendaless and directionless will not work. Be strategic ! politics is about interests there is no enmity !!. Work with government of HE Ruto to push for what you championed for! Blessed day.
Netizens responding swiftly, reminding the Senator that Kasmuel’s interest were definitely not in line with theirs and consequently, he bolted out to pursue his.