A Deep Connection with a Political Leader
ODM youth leader Kasmuel McOure has shared personal insights into his relationship with the late former party leader Raila Odinga, highlighting moments that strengthened their bond both on and off the streets. His story reveals a unique dynamic between a young activist and a seasoned political figure.
During an interview with Obinna TV on Monday, November 11, Kasmuel described how Raila ensured his safety during protests by assigning him four bodyguards. He mentioned that in every protest he attended, there were individuals from Baba’s team, who were always present to watch over him. These men, dressed in black, later became familiar faces at Raila’s office, where Kasmuel recognized them from the streets.
“They were about four guys who always watched over me. I felt invincible, like nothing could happen to me,” he said. Kasmuel emphasized that Raila was a respectful leader who treated even young people with courtesy, something he found admirable.
The Initial Meetings and Refusals
Kasmuel also recounted how Raila first tried to reach out to him during the 2024 Gen Z protests. However, he initially turned down the invitations. One instance involved Raila’s aides, including Siaya governor James Orengo, arranging a meeting in September 2024. All the arrangements were made, including a flight booking, but Kasmuel ultimately backed out.
Eventually, Kasmuel met Raila in late November 2024 at Capitol Hill. He described the former prime minister’s office as a constant stream of activity, comparing it to the crowds currently visiting his home to pay their respects. “You see how Opoda is now, that was Baba’s daily life. It was a beehive of activity. That is how things always were,” he said.
Kasmuel admitted he had always imagined Raila as intimidating until he met him in person. He described him as a warm gentleman who eased tension and made conversations flow naturally. “People think they have something important to say to someone in power until they meet them. I had prepared a long list of things to tell him, but it all disappeared when I got there. He senses when you are uneasy and makes you relax,” Kasmuel said.
An Unsettling Encounter with Presidential Security
Kasmuel also shared an unsettling experience involving President William Ruto’s security detail after he breached protocol to greet Raila at a presidential event. The incident occurred during a football match at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya, where Raila and Ruto were present.
Kasmuel accessed the VVIP area, which included several governors, MPs, and Cabinet secretaries. During halftime, he slipped through, greeted Raila, and then shook hands with Ruto. “Usually when I am at an event with Baba, I am allowed to walk up and greet him. It is a breach of protocol, yes, but it happens for his close people like aides and staff. Once in a while I would go say hi,” he explained.
The mood in the area changed immediately after the exchange. Security became tense, and when the match ended, officers cornered him and demanded he follow them. They escorted him to a waiting car where he was beaten and roughed up for breaching protocol.
“When you breach presidential protocol, you do not walk away freely. They asked what was wrong with me and said the incident could cost them their jobs,” he said. Kasmuel said he was harassed and roughed up before being dropped at an unknown location.
He was relieved he had not been seriously hurt or thrown into a police cell. As he was released, he threw KSh 5,000 into the car out of frustration, but the officers threw it back, telling him they did not want his money.
The following morning, Raila called him after hearing what had happened. They later met at Raila’s home in Kisumu.