Activist and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth league member Kasmuel McOure has revealed that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga once surprised him with Ksh100,000 the first time he made a visit to his Karen home.

Speaking during an interview on the Iko Nini podcast aired on Friday, October 24, 2025, Kasmuel stated that the gesture came at a time when he was going through a serious financial crisis.

Kasmuel, who is also an artist, explained that the kind act from the ODM leader came when he was politically exposed and struggling in his career.

His musical performances had declined because he had devoted much of his time to political activism, leaving little room for his band work.

Around the same period, the Gen Zs he had previously led in demonstrations had “cancelled” him after accusations of betrayal, following an incident in which his fellow activist Morara Kebaso was roughed up at the Bomas of Kenya.

“At that time I was politically exposed; I had no place to perform, I had no money, and I was just confused. I had been cancelled by Kenyans, and I had exhausted my savings. In our conversation with him on various issues, he told us to wait; he gave each one of us Ksh100,000,” Kasmuel stated.

He narrated that during his visit to Raila’s home, they had a lengthy discussion about various issues. Raila then instructed them to wait and later handed each of them KSh 100,000.

The gesture came as a complete surprise to Kasmuel, who noted that many people had often labelled the late Raila as stingy and unwilling to give money.

Financial struggles

He described the moment as a great relief, as he was struggling to pay rent and needed funds to service his car. According to Kasmuel, the amount came just when he needed it most and helped him get back on his feet.

‘’I was surprised, since many people had a tendency to accuse the late Raila of being stingy and not giving out money to anyone. It was such a reprieve for me since I had a lot of problems; I needed money for my car service, and I was also late for rent,’’ he added.

Reflecting on their relationship, Kasmuel said that during Raila’s final days, he was very close to him.

The Ksh100,000, he added, turned out to be the smallest amount Raila ever gave him, as the ODM leader frequently supported him generously thereafter.