The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth leader Kasmuel McOure, has recalled being blacklisted from the presidential dais after an incident of misbehaviour.

Speaking during an interview with Oga Obinna on a podcast released on YouTube on Monday, November 10, 2025, McOure shared that he was restricted from sitting anywhere near President William Ruto.

He recalled a previous event when he was kept from sitting in the front row while the president was present. He, however, did divulge how he misbehaved and when exactly it happened.

“Remember first, nilikuwa nisha misbehave. Niliblacklistiwa kwa presidential na presidential security. So, place yote Prezzo ako, nakaziwa siwezi fika hiyo front row,” he said.

“Kitambo ata ningekaa ata kwa hii row ya pili. “Saa hizi, yes, uko tu, unaeza kaa VIP, but huko nyuma.”

Raila’s invite

Later, he explained how Raila had invited him to a Madaraka Day event in Homa Bay, describing the arrangements.

“So he told me (Raila), I want us to go to Madaraka day together. Come to Kisumu, get in the house by 8, and then we will fly together. State House ika pump up schedule, so by the time me nafika naambiwa bana, sisi tushatoka.”

McOure described being met by a protocol officer who guided him to a helicopter waiting for them.

“Then I met this really cool guy called Eric and he is like wametoka nini nini. I saw this guy and I say this is his Excellency’s car. Nikapark tu mbele yake hivi nikamwambia sitoki hapa. Niambie vile nita nini.“

“And he was like ooh, hapana. Jakom alikuwa ashaacha ripoti yako; twende kwa hii hoteli, twende Royal Swiss. Chopper yake iko hapo, utaenda na Waziri Oparanya.”

Personal bond with Raila

The activist also reflected on his earlier experiences with Raila, emphasising the deep personal connection they shared beyond politics. He recounted a trip where Raila flew him by helicopter to an island for lunch, calling it a formative moment.

“I didn’t know Baba as a politician. I knew him as a friend,” McOure said. “He treated me like a child of the home and trusted me with responsibilities.”

McOure spoke emotionally about Raila’s death, noting that it came as a surprise. He said Raila had discussed his health shortly before travelling to Belgium. Visiting Raila’s body at Lee Funeral Home, McOure admitted, was one of the hardest moments he had faced.

The activist also used the interview to caution against exploiting Raila’s death for political gain. He stressed that Raila’s influence could not be inherited and urged ODM members to support acting leader Senator Oburu Odinga during the party’s transition.

“You cannot inherit Raila Odinga’s position because it was not elective. Raila will be succeeded by someone who emerges from the people,” he said.