Kasmuel McOure has opened up about his close personal bond with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a mentor, a father figure, and a friend.
During an interview with Radio Generation on Thursday, he said he met Raila not just as a politician but as someone who guided him personally, and that coming to terms with his death has been a challenge.
“Baba was not just a political leader. He was my friend, my mentor, and a father figure,” Kasmuel said.
He also revealed how he learned of Raila’s death on October 15. “We were making final plans for a party event when I woke up and realized all isn’t well. It was chaotic, so we dashed to Karen,” he recalled.
Kasmuel described the difficulty of balancing grief with responsibilities. “There was work to do, but everyone was grieving. All of us were losing our minds,” he said.
Addressing criticism over a screenshot he shared, Kasmuel said: “That’s on them. Baba became my friend because he respected people. I’ve stood by my decision and kept learning while trying to figure out the party.”
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was laid to rest on Sunday evening at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County. The private ceremony drew national leaders, family, and a few mourners.
In line with Luo tradition, he was buried wearing his trademark hat, known as ‘Ogudu’, a gesture that symbolized his legacy and influence.
Earlier this year, Kasmule said that the best decision he has ever made was asking Raila to be his political mentor.
Kasmuel said that Raila’s deep connection with his supporter from bottom to the top is extraordinary.
He went on to say that learning political organisation from the veteran politician and longtime opposition leader is nothing short of amazing.
“Asking Raila Odinga to mentor me is one of the boldest and best decisions I’ve ever made. His deep connection with his constituency from the grassroots up is truly remarkable," Kasmuel stated.
Kasmuel is one of the youthful political activists who emerged as a result of the 2024 anti-government Gen Z protests.
In November 2024, he announced that he had decided to join Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
