Social commentator and activist Kasmuel McOure has criticized Kenyans for what he describes as a lack of discipline. In an interview with Jagero, he shared his thoughts on the infamous Anti-Finance Bill protests.
“Kenyans are such an indisciplined lot,” Kasmuel said. “They come to protests late, they avoid accountability, and they don’t want anyone to be in charge. This movement requires discipline and commitment. The loudest voices often never show up on the streets.”
He further accused Kenyans of outsourcing their courage and responsibility, willing to fund those doing the work but unwilling to actively participate.
“They are willing to throw money at those doing the work, but they aren’t ready to take accountability. This is why it’s easy to deceive people using the guise of revolution,” Kasmuel added.
He also reflected on his own role in the movement, stating that the people in the frontlines often belonged to certain organizations or civil society groups.
“I was a frontline fighter, putting my life on the line for this cause, while others had their systems in place. I was left in limbo,” he said.
Kasmuel denied claims that he was paid to protest. “People have always mocked us for what we do. I didn’t come to the streets as a hired gun,” he stated.
“During the impeachment of Kawira Mwangaza, I was given documents and even offered money, but I refused. You cannot take a politician’s money in Kenya and expect to get away with it. They would have leaked it to the press.”
He also discussed his meeting with Raila Odinga, explaining that some people tried to use his name to tarnish the opposition leader’s reputation.
“I thought we were at a point where we didn’t need to question the reasons behind our actions. If we had been disciplined enough to understand the conversation, we would have taken power in this country,” he explained. “But we got lazy, indisciplined, and entitled, and people just pushed hashtags.”
Kasmuel stressed that the revolution should have been an individual effort, noting that money tainted the movement.
“Money was used to sustain the unrest. I didn’t realize this until police officers told me, ‘I know you are doing this because money is coming in.’”
He also made the decision to not return to the streets unless there was a clear goal. “After Nane Nane, I decided I wouldn’t go back without a clear vision.”
Lastly, Kasmuel spoke about four attempts on his life, only two of which were documented. “One incident happened near Nation Centre. A plainclothes officer told me, ‘You need to leave here, or we’ll take you out.’”
by PENINAH NJOKI
