Political activist Kasmuel McOure has revealed why he opted to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party despite earlier indicating that the youthful revolution would remain faceless, leaderless and partyless.

The self-styled revolutionary on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, stated that he joined the Orange party to become a part of something greater and be at the forefront of change.

“My purpose is simple, yet profound. I am here to stand in the ranks of the youth league of the largest, most consistent, and most organized political party in our nation and beyond,” Kasmuel said.

Adding: “It is my privilege to be mentored by the most influential, steadfast, and visionary leader this country has ever known. Raila Odinga is a man who has dedicated his life to the struggle for justice, for freedom, for the future of this land.”

Kasmuel who shot to prominence during the build-up and at the height of the anti-tax protests in Kenya in June and July of 2024, was among the activists whose faces and presence stood out.

Kasmuel’s loyalty

Trouble started in September when he was pictured in the company of the Majority whip of the National Assembly Sylvanus Osoro at a restaurant.

The two were snapped sharing a light moment, but the youth on X began questioning Kasmuel’s loyalty to the course of the Gen Z-led struggle for better governance.

While Kasmuel noted that he deeply regretted the photo op, another incident followed two weeks later at the Bomas of Kenya where a public participation exercise was conducted on the impending impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

During the function, fellow activist Morara Kebaso was roughed up by attendees of the public participation exercise after he requested for the microphone to give his opinion.

Kasmuel who was later handed the microphone steered clear of condemning Kebaso’s harassment, much to the chagrin of Kenyans on X, whose doubts on his loyalty seemed to have been confirmed.

However, during the homecoming ceremony of ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga in Homa Bay County, Kasmuel declared his shift from the Gen Zs to join Odinga’s party.

Since then, the activist-turned-youth mobiliser has been a permanent fixture during Odinga’s meetings at his Capitol Hill office.

In his words, Kasmuel notes he hopes to carry the torch one day from Odinga.

“He is a man who, despite his many duties, always makes time for the youth; rescheduling his day, sacrificing his own rest, simply to sit with us, to guide us, to teach us. I am blessed to be part of this journey, and I am determined to carry forward his torch,” he stated.