“I Am Not a Sellout”: Kasmuel MCoure Defends His Integrity Amid Criticism Over Silence on Morara Kebaso’s Attack

By Orenge Wycliff, Reporter

“I Am Not a Sellout”: Kasmuel MCoure Defends His Integrity Amid Criticism Over Silence on Morara Kebaso’s Attack

Kenya’s vibrant Gen Z sensation, Kasmuel MCoure, is fighting back against accusations that he has abandoned the very cause that catapulted him to fame: advocating for the disenfranchised youth. The young activist, who rose to prominence during the nationwide Gen Z protests, has been under heavy scrutiny in recent weeks as supporters who once hailed him as the voice of their generation now accuse him of being out of touch and aligning with political power at the expense of his principles.

These accusations reached a boiling point following Kasmuel’s controversial silence after the brutal attack on Morara Kebaso at the Bomas of Kenya. Kebaso, a vocal youth activist, was violently assaulted by a mob during a public participation event concerning the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Many expected Kasmuel, a leading figure in the protest movement, to condemn the attack immediately. Instead, when he took the microphone, he chose not to address the incident, focusing instead on his views regarding Gachagua’s impeachment. The omission was seen as a betrayal by his supporters.

In the aftermath, social media exploded with outrage. Kenyans, especially those who had followed Kasmuel since his early activism days, expressed their disappointment in what they perceived as a shift in his loyalties. The hashtag #UnfollowKasmuel trended for days as enraged netizens called on others to distance themselves from the young activist. The widespread perception was that Kasmuel, once the fiery voice of the people, was now in bed with the government, silencing his critical voice for personal gain.

A Hero Under Siege

Kasmuel’s rise to prominence was swift. He burst onto the national stage during the Gen Z protests, which were fueled by widespread frustration with unemployment, police brutality, and political exclusion. His speeches were fiery and his social media presence was magnetic, rallying thousands of young Kenyans who felt overlooked and ignored by the political class. He quickly became a symbol of defiance—a leader unafraid to speak truth to power.

However, his sudden reluctance to address Kebaso’s attack raised eyebrows. Morara Kebaso was a young and fellow activist in the youth movement, making Kasmuel’s silence even more perplexing. When pressed on why he failed to denounce the attack, Kasmuel defended himself during a TV interview, saying,

“ No, I think now we’re conflicting  the issues, my meeting with the Rt. Hon Raila Odinga was separate from these issues, it was a rather an insightful meeting, I’m very happy that I have met him and I hope that this is the beginning of a journey of understanding where politics comes from and where it’s at ,some of the nuances that I’ve never got the chance to at this time…. I see you pulled up that beautiful photo it  for me it was a longtime dream of mine because I acknowledge  Baba Raila Odinga’s contribution to our democracy.” … I am organizing to take political power.

Kasmuel further argued that he remains committed to his principles, but he will not submit to a movement that seeks to “own” him only when convenient.

 “I will go where I am respected, where I’m needed—not where I’m tolerated,” he stated.

 The activist insisted that his critics are attempting to sensationalize events without understanding the bigger picture.

A Man of Integrity or a Sellout?

Despite his defense, many Kenyans feel betrayed. Kasmuel’s meetings with political leaders—especially with opposition leader Raila Odinga—have fueled speculation that he is more interested in personal gain than representing the needs of the disenfranchised youth who once stood behind him.

During the interview, Kasmuel spoke about his recent meeting with Raila Odinga, describing it as a significant milestone in his personal growth as a future leader.

“It was a long-time dream of mine to meet Baba,” Kasmuel explained, using the popular nickname for Odinga.

“I acknowledge his contribution to our democracy, and it was insightful to discuss where politics comes from and where it is going.”

While Kasmuel’s tone was celebratory about the meeting, his critics were less impressed. Many saw his alignment with an established political figure as evidence that he was becoming part of the very system he once vowed to fight against.

As Kasmuel confirmed his ambitions to seek political power, his critics accused him of abandoning his grassroots activism for the allure of political office. His refusal to immediately condemn Morara Kebaso’s attack only reinforced their belief that he was distancing himself from the struggles of ordinary Kenyans.

Kasmuel’s Response: “I Am Not a Sellout”

In the face of mounting criticism, Kasmuel remains defiant. “No, I am not a sellout,” he told his interviewer.

“Kenyans want to peddle sensationalism. They do not want to deal with facts. That’s totally fine—it’s upon them. But I am a man of integrity, and I stand by my standards.”

Kasmuel’s explanation was that his silence during the Bomas event was not a sign of complicity but rather an attempt to keep focus on the more pressing issue at hand: the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He argued that making statements in the heat of the moment could lead to unnecessary divisiveness, and that the truth of what happened to Kebaso would come out in time.

Still, for many of his supporters, this reasoning is insufficient. Some feel that Kasmuel, once the fearless voice of the youth, is now playing a cautious game—one that sacrifices principle for political positioning.

A Shifting Political Landscape

Kasmuel’s journey from protest leader to political aspirant highlights the complex dynamics young leaders in Kenya face today. Many are caught between a desire to remain true to their activist roots and the practicalities of engaging with the established political system. Kasmuel himself hinted at this during the interview, stating that his recent activities off-camera were part of his preparation to take on a leadership role in Kenya’s political future.

“I am organizing to take political power,” Kasmuel declared,

Signaling that his sights are set on the long game. But as he navigates this path, he must reckon with the expectations of a youth movement that has little patience for perceived compromises. His close interactions with political heavyweights like Raila Odinga, though framed as mentorship, have only stoked suspicions about his intentions.

Kasmuel’s critics see his trajectory as a cautionary tale of what happens when young activists enter the murky world of Kenyan politics, where ideals can quickly give way to pragmatism. Yet, for Kasmuel, this is merely part of a necessary evolution. “Politics is about understanding where it comes from and where it’s going,” he remarked, indicating that he is keen on learning from those who have come before him.

The Road Ahead

As the dust settles, Kasmuel MCoure’s future remains uncertain. Will he succeed in transitioning from protest leader to a political heavyweight without losing the trust of those who first elevated him? Or will he be remembered as another activist who traded his principles for political influence?

For now, Kasmuel insists that he is still the same man of integrity, determined to fight for the rights of Kenyans. But as his political journey unfolds, only time will tell whether his supporters will believe him.

By Orenge Wycliff, Reporter