Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth leader Kasmuel McOure has shared his emotional struggle to accept the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Speaking on the Oga Obinna Show on Monday, November 10, 2025, Kasmuel revealed that the news still feels unreal and that he even attempted to call Raila last week, hoping it was all just a bad dream.
“It has been very confusing. I am still in a state of shock. I haven’t believed it. Even last week, I tried calling him. Cause you know ako hapo kwa favourites. It is famo, then his numbers. I tried calling him, saying eish, maybe this is just a bad dream,” Kasmuel said, expressing his disbelief and sorrow.
He added that he has been unable to process the loss fully, admitting that he keeps expecting Raila to return. “So yeah, it has been a rather confusing time, even with the noise around it. Mimi nimekataa, I just feel like uhm…I haven’t yet, uhm…it feels like he is gonna come back, I feel like he is gonna come back. I don’t think I have had the chance to really sit with all of it,” he continued.
Why Didn’t Kasmuel Shave His Afro to Mourn Raila?
Addressing questions about why he did not shave his afro in mourning, Kasmuel explained that his choice was rooted in cultural respect and guidance from elders. He shared that he initially planned to wear traditional regalia in Raila’s honor but was advised against doing so casually.
“I was at Lee, in Karen….I remember going home and telling myself I wanted to don a traditional regalia for Baba and I met some elders, and there is a particular lady who said we just don’t wear those things for granted. We don’t just participate on these things for granted. And for me, I was just like, okay, fine..I will just do regular stuff, regular whatever,” he said.
Kasmuel explained that his decision to keep things simple came from a place of respect rather than indifference. He wanted to honor Raila in a way that felt meaningful and appropriate.
How Deep Was Kasmuel’s Connection to Raila Odinga?
Through his reflections, Kasmuel’s grief reveals the depth of his admiration for Raila. His emotional account, trying to reach out even after the news broke, paints a picture of a leader whose influence extended beyond politics into the personal lives of those who looked up to him.
For Kasmuel, Raila’s passing remains a reality too painful to accept, and his words echo the sentiments of many Kenyans still coming to terms with the loss of a man they considered a symbol of hope and resilience.
By Lucky Anyanje