The anti-government protests, which are almost entering a month, have brought in a new wave of young political activists. The vibrant protestors are also very knowledgeable and eloquent, taking many by surprise, for those who thought they were attention-seeking rebels. Among them is Kasmuel McOure, known as Kaskazini on various social media platforms.
His Entry Into the Limelight
He first made news when his vocal, fearless-looking, and sharply dressed pictures from the protests, went viral, painting him as a new-age revolutionary. He was reported missing on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, after being abducted by unknown people, during the wake of the Finance Bill riots. This sparked a nationwide debate, demanding his safe and sound release, he was found a day after. Some claim that he is a good actor and that the event was stage-managed. Several abductions of activists have been reported with police being accused of involvement.
He is not new to controversy, for those who know him. Where did he hail from, what is his political motivation and vision for the future and why is he always in a suit?
Kasmuel McOure’s Early Life
Kasmuel, 33, grew up in undesirable conditions. He is an alumnus of Alliance Boys High School but sat his final exams at Maranda Boys High School. In KCSE, he scored an impressive A-minus. He later undertook an Electrical Engineering undergrad at the Technical University of Kenya.
His many talents and skills have turned him into a multi-faceted individual. He is known for his roles as an artist (he plays the piano with a band exceptionally well), a political activist, and a griot.
In the African setting, a griot is a musician, storyteller, and historian who preserves the culture through oral traditions. His charm, eloquence, and passionate activism have made him a celebrated figure, more so in the realm of social justice.
Personal Life
On his LinkedIn professional platform, he identifies as a music consultant, educator, YALI Fellow, global citizen, activist, and sartorialist. Despite his public persona, Kasmuel, who now enjoys a public life, maintains a high level of privacy about his life’s relationships. There is no public information on his family or marital status. He only posts about his professional work (as an artist and activist) and has dedicated his brand to that. He has worked in several international organizations.
Kasmuel Mcoure’s fashion sense stems from his desire to compensate for the lack he endured in his youth as they could not afford some decent wear. He could only afford to wear baggy and ill-fitting clothes because they were cheaper and he had no choice. To him, suits are the “pinnacle of fashion and professionalism.” If he’s not in a full suit, he’s in his birthday suit, he captioned in one of the local interviews.
Kasmuel’s Career Life
He has had a diverse and impactful career since his graduation at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK). His journey has been defined by his innovative and entrepreneurial take on matters. He started as a software engineer and rose to corporate ranks within a year.
McOure started TechSmart, a payment platform offering tech solutions to businesses, in 2015 and it has been a huge success in opening doors to other ventures.
He is also credited with co-founding GreenEnergy Solutions, EduTech Africa, and is currently the CEO of McCore Group, overseeing some enterprises. His efforts have seen him being awarded African Entrepreneur of The Year 2020, among other medals and honors. He is majorly involved in charity, education, entrepreneurship, and tech solutions in Africa.
His Philosophy
As a continent still facing challenges and hurdles in the socio-political landscape, he comes at the opportune time to lend a voice to the voiceless. He challenges the status quo and asks others to join him on the frontline in a quest for a better country for the next generation.
Despite the government’s keenness to cut his clothes, he has remained adamant that his voice cannot be bought for 30 pieces of silver. His search for social justice has just begun and so much has been achieved already. With the leadership of the day, following his footsteps closely, he keeps a vigilant eye and swift ear, so as not to put himself in danger again.
You can find him on X and Instagram as @_kaskazini, where he shares scoops about his daily interactions and activism.
