Kasmuel McOure: People have been killing ODM since 2007
By Faith Lagat, October 25, 2025Activist Kasmuel McOure has critiqued the historical challenges faced by the Orange Democratic Movement since 2007.
Speaking on a local podcast on Saturday, October 25, 2025, just days after the sudden death of Raila Odinga in India, McOure said, “People have been killing ODM since 2007. The party has never enjoyed power. KANU ilikufa na ilikuwa ruling party. Jubilee imekuja tu juzi na ilikuwa ruling party. All the ruling parties zimededi.“
He described ODM as a perennial underdog, impacted by Kenya’s political shifts from KANU’s long rule to Jubilee’s brief dominance.
Tribute to Raila Odinga
McOure’s remarks were deeply personal, framed by his grief over Raila, whom he described as “both a father and a friend who had welcomed him into his home and treated him like family.” He added, “I’m weeping because I’ve lost a father and a friend. He opened his doors to me and treated me like a child of the home.” Raila passed on October 15, 2025, from cardiac arrest during a medical visit to Kerala, India, at age 80.
The veteran leader, imprisoned for years under Moi’s regime and a five-time presidential contender, symbolized unyielding opposition. McOure issued a warning against opportunists eyeing Raila’s unelected mantle: “You cannot inherit Raila Odinga’s position because it was not elective. Raila will be succeeded by someone who emerges from the people.”
Call for unity and strategic succession
McOure urged unity within ODM, positioning Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother and newly appointed acting party leader, as a stabilizing force. “The Orange Democratic Movement will be a party for the next 20 years,” he said.
“But now it has to be firmly under the leadership of Senator Oburu Odinga. They had better convene that National Delegates Convention and install him because he has the best ideals for the party.”
The ODM National Executive Council had reaffirmed commitment to Raila’s ideals two days earlier. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi supported this, saying, “We believe Dr Oburu Odinga has the experience and composure to steer this party to the next level,” promising to propose his formal confirmation at the upcoming NDC.
McOure also praised Raila’s legacy of cohesion: “He kept our community together, he kept minorities together.” He warned against internal supremacy battles, saying, “So anyone who wants to bring antics… will not be tolerated.” The discourse intensified when Raila’s close confidant Oketch Salah revealed Raila’s intent to support President Ruto in 2027: “Baba alikuwa anataka kumsport Ruto; alitaka ODM iwe na nguvu ndio aendorse Ruto 2027.” Salah urged ODM loyalists to stay in the broad-based government and honor Raila’s strategic directives.
Political analyst Herman Manyora cautioned that Raila never openly endorsed this plan. President Ruto, while viewing Raila’s body at Kasarani Stadium, acknowledged the late leader’s bridge-building legacy.