Singer-turned-activist Kasmuel McOure has found himself at the center of controversy. McOure, a figure who once commanded the support of disenfranchised young Kenyans, is facing harsh criticism for failing to address the violent attack on fellow activist Morara Kebaso during his recent speech at Bomas. This incident has sparked an intense debate about whether McOure, who has built his reputation as a voice of the youth and critic of government policies, has now “sold out” and aligned himself with the political establishment.
Kenyans from various quarters, particularly Gen Z activists and online commentators, have taken to social media to express their disillusionment. The hashtag #SellOut began trending soon after Kasmuel’s speech, with many accusing him of betraying the very ideals he once championed. His failure to condemn the attack on Kebaso, a fellow activist who was violently ejected from the Bomas of Kenya hall by a mob, has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many who once supported him.
The Incident: The Morara Kebaso Attack
The controversy began with an attack on activist Morara Kebaso, a vocal critic of the government and a staunch advocate for youth representation. Kebaso was at Bomas of Kenya to attend a public participation forum on the proposed impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The forum was part of a wider effort to allow citizens to voice their concerns over the political situation in the country.
However, things took a dark turn when an altercation broke out, and Kebaso found himself the target of a mob. The reasons behind the attack remain unclear, but video footage showed Kebaso being physically assaulted before being dragged out of the hall. The violent nature of the incident shocked many, particularly the activist community, who were expecting solidarity from fellow participants.
In the aftermath of the attack, there was a palpable sense of outrage. Many anticipated that Kasmuel McOure, who took to the stage shortly after the attack, would address the violence, condemn the goons involved, and express solidarity with Kebaso. After all, Kasmuel had made a name for himself as a voice for the disenfranchised, particularly the youth, and Morara represented the very demographic Kasmuel claimed to advocate for.
Kasmuel’s Speech: A Missed Opportunity
When Kasmuel finally took to the microphone, expectations were high. Here was a man who had consistently railed against injustice and political oppression, and many believed he would seize this moment to not only condemn the violence but to also call for unity among youth activists.
However, what followed was a speech that left many shocked and disappointed. Instead of addressing the brutal attack on Kebaso, Kasmuel immediately pivoted to the political matter at hand – the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He launched into a fiery tirade against Gachagua, outlining the reasons why he believed the Deputy President should be removed from office. He spoke passionately about the need to end tribalism and the politics of division, but conspicuously absent from his speech was any mention of the attack on Kebaso.
As Kasmuel continued his speech, the reactions from the crowd were mixed. Some, particularly the politicians present, seemed to welcome his rhetoric. Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang stood behind him, smiling proudly, while Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie clapped and nodded in agreement. This visual alone raised eyebrows, as it appeared to suggest that Kasmuel was now in alignment with political figures, a stark contrast to his previous anti-establishment stance.
To those watching the speech live and later online, it seemed as though Kasmuel had missed a crucial opportunity to stand with his fellow activists. Many had expected him to at least acknowledge what had happened to Morara Kebaso and to condemn the violence. But instead, he chose to focus solely on Gachagua’s impeachment, which further fueled suspicions that he had grown too close to the political elite.
The Online Backlash: Accusations of Betrayal
Soon after Kasmuel’s speech, social media erupted with outrage. Many Kenyans, particularly youth activists, took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to voice their displeasure. The hashtag #SellOut trended for hours as Kenyans expressed their anger at what they perceived as Kasmuel’s betrayal of the activist community.
One user, Stephen Mutuku, encapsulated the general sentiment when he tweeted, “Kasmuel went on that stage and spoke the language of our oppressors. He spoke just like them. He sounded just like any other Kenyan MP. Is this the same dude we went to the streets with? Oh, how quickly people change!”
Another user echoed similar frustrations, writing, “Instead of addressing the Morara Kebaso situation, Kasmuel went there to politic. He claims to represent the Gen Z and young Kenyans and still couldn’t spare a minute for Morara? Sellout!”
Even Morara’s lawyer, Pareno Solonka, weighed in on the situation. In a scathing statement, Solonka called Kasmuel a “sellout,” implying that his failure to stand by Kebaso was indicative of a deeper betrayal. Solonka further suggested that Kasmuel and other activists had long been fighting against Morara, accusing them of being bought off by political interests.
The backlash wasn’t limited to political commentators. Popular content creator and chef Dennis Ombachi also chimed in, tweeting, “N*gga was the next guest to the balcony. I dodged a bullet but at what cost!” Ombachi’s comment reflected the widespread disillusionment that many felt, particularly those who had once admired Kasmuel’s activism.
The Activist’s Dilemma: Aligning with Power or Fighting the System?
Kasmuel McOure’s fall from grace raises a broader question about the role of activism in Kenyan politics. Activists, by their very nature, are often seen as outsiders, individuals who challenge the system and hold those in power accountable. Kasmuel had long embodied this spirit, positioning himself as a voice for the youth and a critic of government excesses. However, his recent actions have called into question the fine line between activism and political alignment.
Many now believe that Kasmuel has crossed that line. By failing to condemn the violence against Kebaso and instead focusing on the impeachment of Gachagua – a political issue that many feel has been orchestrated by power players – Kasmuel is seen as having aligned himself with the very system he once opposed.
This is not the first time that a Kenyan activist has been accused of “selling out.” In recent years, several high-profile activists have been accused of abandoning their causes in exchange for political appointments or favors. For young Kenyans, particularly those who are struggling to find representation in the political system, these accusations of betrayal sting all the more.
The Road Ahead: Can Kasmuel Redeem Himself?
As the dust settles on this controversy, one question remains: can Kasmuel McOure redeem himself in the eyes of the public? For many, his failure to stand with Morara Kebaso and his perceived coziness with politicians like TJ Kajwang and John Kiarie have damaged his credibility beyond repair.
However, others believe that Kasmuel still has an opportunity to make amends. If he can acknowledge the mistake he made by not addressing the violence and reaffirm his commitment to the youth and activist community, he may be able to regain some of the trust he has lost.
What is clear, however, is that the path to redemption will not be easy. Kenyan activists, particularly those who claim to represent the youth, are held to a high standard. Kasmuel must now navigate the tricky waters of political activism, where the lines between fighting for justice and becoming part of the system are often blurred.
In the meantime, the fallout from his Bomas speech continues to reverberate across social media and political circles. As public participation in the Gachagua impeachment process continues, all eyes will be on Kasmuel to see if he can recover from this significant misstep or if he will become yet another activist who has fallen victim to the allure of power.
