Since the passing of Raila Odinga, that truth has hit home in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)—especially for those who once assumed their closeness to Baba guaranteed them untouchable influence.
There was a time when access to the VVIP circle was automatic. Just knowing the right people was enough.
Today, the same individuals reportedly must justify their presence before entering the inner sanctum. From entitlement to verification, the transition is stark.
Kasmuel McOure, once a familiar face in elite circles, now faces the reality of a political landscape that measures influence by institutional authority rather than personal ties.
What makes this shift almost ironic is the confidence with which McOure continues to lecture ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna—an elected official with a clear mandate from party members.
Kenyan politics has never lacked irony: struggling for access to power while feeling qualified to offer ideological lessons to those who hold actual authority.
For years, ODM thrived on personality over structure. Loyalty to Baba often outweighed constitutional roles, and unelected confidants could overshadow MPs.
Social media clout sometimes drowned out formal leadership—but as long as Raila was alive, his word settled everything.
Now, the party is forced to confront a new reality: institutions over individuals, legitimacy over loudness.
For those whose influence was borrowed, not earned, the adjustment is harsh. Ranting on X or posting videos on TikTok no longer guarantees relevance.
Sifuna embodies a system: elected, accountable, and anchored in process. McOure represents an era where vibes and loyalty once substituted for votes and structures.
In Kenyan politics, when a king falls, the court reorganizes overnight. Old passes expire, old favors vanish, and suddenly, everyone must prove why they matter. For McOure, that reality has arrived—and it’s unforgiving.