Githunguri Member of Parliament (MP) Gathoni Wamuchomba has publicly extended support to activist Kasmuel McOure following a surge of accusations branding him a sellout within Kenya’s activist community. The controversy arose after Kasmuel faced criticism for his position during a recent impeachment debate involving Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with some activists accusing him of betraying their cause by not advocating for the removal of President William Ruto as well.
Commenting on a video of Kasmuel calling for Ruto’s ouster as well in the wake of public backlash, Wamuchomba hinted that she had previously warned him about the fallout.
“I told you my son! Sasa oona🤭🤭🤭 Asiyesikia la Mkuu… I need to talk to you,” she wrote, referencing her earlier advice to the activist.
Drama in Bomas
The controversy traces back to a public participation event at Bomas of Kenya on Friday, October 4, 2024, where Kasmuel’s decision to advocate solely for Gachagua’s impeachment, without addressing the violent assault on fellow activist Morara Kebaso, drew sharp criticism.
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Kebaso had been attacked by a mob during the event, and many expected Kasmuel to denounce the violence before turning to political matters.
Instead, Kasmuel launched directly into a speech calling for Gachagua’s removal from office.
“Gachagua must go! Ndio tumalize ukabila Kenya, ndio tumalize shareholders, ndio tumalize siasa ya kuchanganya watu, Gachagua must go!” Kasmuel said.
His failure to mention President Ruto, or condemn the attack on Kebaso, left many Kenyans disillusioned.
Kasmuel McOure. PHOTO/@_KasKazini/X
The backlash was swift on social media, with many accusing Kasmuel of having shifted his stance for political gain.
Critics pointed out that Kasmuel, once a vocal opponent of both Gachagua and Ruto, had seemingly softened his position on the president.
“Kasmuel is a sell out and you now realize why him, kina Tarus and so many yappers here have been fighting Morara. Morara is the only young person WHO HAS NOT BEEN BOUGHT AND IS STAYING TRUE,” Pareno Solonka, Morara Kebaso’s lawyer, tweeted.
The ongoing controversy has reignited discussions about the role of young activists in Kenya’s political landscape and their susceptibility to co-option by political forces. Wamuchomba's public support for Kasmuel McOure signals that tensions within Kenya’s activist circles could escalate further, with the potential for more confrontations in the future.
