Kimilili MP aspirant Marvin Mabonga has sharply criticized political activist Kasmuel McOure for abandoning the Gen Z protests and joining the opposition ODM party, accusing him of betraying the very citizens he once championed.
In a statement on X, Mabonga recalled the days when he and McOure stood side by side, chanting, “Ruto ni mwizi, ni wazimu wa ukweli.”
He described McOure as the leading voice during that period, urging accountability and speaking truth to power.
“Today, it’s disappointing to see the same voice now echoing power instead of speaking truth,” Mabonga said.
He condemned McOure’s recent shift to openly supporting President Ruto and aligning with the Broad-Based Government, noting that such political convenience undermines public trust.
Mabonga warned that leaders who switch allegiances for comfort risk losing credibility.
“If proximity to power comes with comfort, then at least let it come with silence. Don’t turn against the very citizens who gave your voice meaning,” he stated.
He concluded by stressing the importance of integrity in political activism, reminding the public that history will remember those who stood firm in their convictions versus those who chose convenience over principle.
McOure’s political pivot comes amid ongoing debates about the role of youth activism in shaping Kenya’s political landscape, with many observers questioning whether former protest leaders can maintain independence once drawn into party politics.
Mabonga’s critique signals a growing tension among young politicians and activists navigating between grassroots movements and formal political structures, a dynamic that could influence Kimilili’s upcoming electoral contests.