Kebaso Morara, leader of the Inject Party and a vocal political activist, has come out strongly in support of his fellow youth leader Kasmuel McOure, who is facing criticism for aligning with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by veteran politician Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Monday, Morara criticised what he called “selective outrage” from young Kenyans, particularly those from the Gen Z generation who had previously praised McOure for his role in street demonstrations demanding accountability from the government.
“You condemn me for reaching out to Kasmuel, but I understood his situation better than you do,” Morara said in a blunt online post. “This country is extremely tribal. Political parties dominate specific communities. If Kasmuel wants to be Senator in Migori or Homa Bay, where else do you expect him to go?”
His comments come after McOure confirmed in late 2024 that he had joined ODM, stating it was the “largest pro-people party in East and Central Africa” and announcing plans to rebuild its youth and student leagues.
Critics, many of them young activists, accused McOure of betrayal arguing that he had sold out to the very establishment he once challenged. But Morara said that kind of judgement ignores Kenya’s political realities.
“Why do you hold him to a different standard?” he asked. “You’ve forgiven older opposition leaders who dined with Ruto, yet want to cancel Kasmuel for far less. Who in the opposition doesn’t have a photo with Ruto? Who?”
He went on to point out what he called hypocrisy in Kenyan politics, saying that even those who criticise others have made compromises. “Some of the leaders you celebrate here have even slept with Ruto for several years,” he said bluntly. “But you want to hate a fellow youth forever?”
Morara insisted that Kasmuel’s move should be judged within the context of Kenya’s tribal party alignments, not through an idealistic lens that ignores history. He added that McOure’s choice, though controversial, was strategic not immoral.
For his part, McOure has remained firm in his position. “We’re revitalising the Youth and Students’ Leagues and are calling on passionate young Kenyans to help shape our future,” he said in a social media post. “Consider @TheODMparty if you’re ready to help build a democratic Kenya where everyone can live with dignity.”
He also thanked ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga for her support, indicating he had no regrets about the decision.
A Divided Generation
The backlash against McOure reflects a wider generational tension: between young people frustrated with the status quo and those trying to work within it. Many of McOure’s critics believe joining legacy parties undermines the spirit of the Gen Z-led protests that shook the country in mid-2024.
Yet others, like Morara, argue that real change must also come from the inside. “Give Kasmuel a chance to tell his story,” Morara urged. “He chose a path many before him have walked. If we’re honest, we don’t yet have a youth party strong enough to back someone from Migori to the Senate.”
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