Former protest leader and ODM youth wing member Kasmuel McOure has publicly explained why he left last year’s nationwide protest coalition, citing differences over accountability and the pursuit of tangible political outcomes.
In a statement posted on X, McOure said he had served as the public face and coordinator of an assembly comprising roughly 64 organisations, including political parties, social justice centres, and non-governmental organisations.
He said he withdrew after identifying a “culture of protest” within parts of the coalition that prioritized visibility over achieving meaningful change.
The activist attributed the subsequent criticism and smear campaigns to his political decisions, including supporting Joffri’s impeachment, joining ODM, and engaging openly with President William Ruto.
“I was cancelled not for wrongdoing but for exercising my democratic rights,” McOure said. He noted that no evidence has been presented to substantiate the allegations against him despite repeated challenges.
McOure also called for audits of the organisations that were part of the protest coalition, arguing that accountability remains largely absent.
He referenced a recent public investigation into a well-known civil society organisation accused of financial irregularities, noting that reactions from some civil society figures focused on claims of persecution rather than addressing the allegations directly.
While emphasizing that the issue was political rather than personal, McOure expressed concern for the victims affected by the ongoing scrutiny and encouraged Kenyans to support organisations that provide assistance to survivors of abuse and gender-based violence.
To ensure structured political engagement, McOure announced the formation of the Broad Based Youth Front, aiming to channel youth activism into measurable outcomes.
He said the current opportunity for impactful change lies in coordinated participation within formal governance structures, particularly through the Ruto administration, rather than continued street-level protests.