Kasmuel McOure: Why I chose ODM as the vehicle for change

Youth political leader Kasmuel McOure has revealed why he chose to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), describing it as the only party aligned with his vision for transformative governance and public accountability.

Kasmuel, who officially joined the party in November 2024, said ODM stood out to him as a structured political movement capable of delivering the reforms he has long fought for in activism and civil society.

“When I was joining, it was the party that was most aligned towards the direction I was looking for,” he said during an interview with Radio Generation on Tuesday.

“As of October 2024, it was the only party that, for me, seemed like it would lead me to the end that I was pursuing, having come from the streets.”

Kasmuel noted that many of the issues he protested against, police brutality, misuse of public resources, debt accountability, poor service delivery, and corruption, could not be addressed meaningfully outside state structures.

ODM, he said, offers a path to realising those changes from within the system.

“The people who are in the best position to bring about these changes are the people who are currently administering state,” he explained.

“ODM still seems to me like the vehicle that would allow me to impactfully contribute to these things,” the youth leader added.

In his journey from activism to politics, Kasmuel also recalled his past leadership in a broad coalition of civil society organisations and small parties under the National Committee of People’s Assemblies.

Despite considering other political formations, he said ODM’s ideological leaning and national presence made it the right fit.

“There was a time I wanted to join some of the smaller parties. But then I saw that at the time, our visions were just not aligned. That’s why I went to the Orange Democratic Movement.”

Since joining the party, Kasmuel has taken up the role of energising the youth wing, working to revive youth and student leagues nationwide.

He called on young people across the country, both educated and uneducated to take part in shaping Kenya’s future through political organising.

Still in the interview, Kasmuel also responded to questions about his association with other political figures and moments where he’s been seen meeting senior leaders such as ODM critic Maura Karua.

He dismissed criticism and said political consultations are not reserved for the elite.

“I do not see why it should be of much consequence for us as young people to meet. But some of the people I’m being told to emulate have done all those things, stolen from public office, committed other crimes, yet I’m being judged for meeting people?” Kasmuel asked. “We cannot be too young to lead.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSdjEP0XbrQ

Asked about his mental health amid the intense public scrutiny and pressure of political life, the youth leader said the online attacks have become constant but do not reflect the reality on the ground.

“You cannot control what people say online… it becomes like the humming of an AC or something. It becomes part of the furniture,” Kasmuel said.

“But when I go to the ground, wherever I meet people for politics, I do not encounter hatred. So it’s a difficult balancing act,” he added.

He acknowledged that navigating Kenya’s political space as a young person is challenging and requires one to constantly adjust, engage across class divides, and stay grounded despite criticism and misinformation.

“It’s tough on the person. Because consistently, you have to wake up to insults… but then you ask yourself, to what benefit?” Kasmuel posed.

Despite the hurdles, Kasmuel remains committed to ODM’s mission and believes in building a movement rooted in justice, equality, and service to all Kenyans.