In a strongly worded response, Ken Babu, the United Opposition youth leader, dismissed McOure’s remarks as “misguided and dishonest,” saying the ODM youth leader had ignored the sacrifices made by opposition figures like Gachagua in defending Kenyan youths during the Gen Z protests.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Babu said McOure’s statement showed “political short-sightedness” and accused him of siding with the same government that used force against peaceful protesters.
“When Kasmuel attacks Rigathi Gachagua and the united opposition, he forgets that it was this very movement that stood between his bosses and the bullets aimed at Gen Z,” Babu stated.
“We refused to bow to fear when youths were being killed. Meanwhile, he ran to the comfort of those responsible for the violence.”
Babu argued that Gachagua has been instrumental in exposing the failures of the Kenya Kwanza administration, led by President William Ruto, saying he has forced the country to confront a government that has failed to deliver on its promises.
“This is not about tribes or political parties anymore,” Babu explained.
Babu argued that Gachagua has been instrumental in exposing the failures of the Kenya Kwanza administration, led by President William Ruto, saying he has forced the country to confront a government that has failed to deliver on its promises.
“This is not about tribes or political parties anymore,” Babu explained.
“It’s about accountability. Gachagua has done what others couldn’t — he has made Kenyans question a broken system without fear or favour.”
The youthful opposition leader went on to reject McOure’s claims that ODM was being lured into forming an alliance with Gachagua ahead of the next election.
The youthful opposition leader went on to reject McOure’s claims that ODM was being lured into forming an alliance with Gachagua ahead of the next election.
According to Babu, there have been no invitations or formal discussions between the United Opposition and ODM, but rather a shared frustration among Kenyans over what he described as “a collapsing government.”
“No one is begging ODM to join us,” Babu said.
“No one is begging ODM to join us,” Babu said.
“What’s happening is that Kenyans from all walks of life — even those who once supported the government — are uniting because they want change. The failures of Ruto’s regime are forcing people to cross over to the opposition camp.”
He told McOure and what he called “broad-based government sympathisers” to stop focusing on sideshows and instead serve the people who elected them.
“Kasmuel and others should stop playing politics of distraction. Kenyans are suffering under this administration, and we need leaders who can stand up for truth and justice,” he said.
Babu further defended Gachagua’s decision to align himself with the united opposition, saying it was not a betrayal of his past but a patriotic move to protect Kenya’s democracy and young people’s future.
He described Gachagua as one of the few politicians who had “found the courage to speak the truth to power” and to expose corruption and arrogance within the current government.
“The former DP is not perfect, but he has taken a bold stand for ordinary citizens,” Babu noted.
He told McOure and what he called “broad-based government sympathisers” to stop focusing on sideshows and instead serve the people who elected them.
“Kasmuel and others should stop playing politics of distraction. Kenyans are suffering under this administration, and we need leaders who can stand up for truth and justice,” he said.
Babu further defended Gachagua’s decision to align himself with the united opposition, saying it was not a betrayal of his past but a patriotic move to protect Kenya’s democracy and young people’s future.
He described Gachagua as one of the few politicians who had “found the courage to speak the truth to power” and to expose corruption and arrogance within the current government.
“The former DP is not perfect, but he has taken a bold stand for ordinary citizens,” Babu noted.
“That’s something many leaders in power today can’t claim.”
McOure, on the other hand, has maintained that ODM will never be part of any coalition involving Gachagua, insisting that the former deputy president represents the same brand of politics that Kenya’s youth want to move away from.
He said no amount of persuasion will make ODM youths work with Gachagua, arguing that his political style offers nothing new to Kenyans.
But Babu insists the focus should not be on personalities but on the mission to end oppression, restore democracy, and hold the government accountable.
“2027 is not about who leads the opposition — it’s about saving Kenya from leadership failure,” Babu concluded. “Those who want to cling to outdated political loyalties will be left behind.”
McOure, on the other hand, has maintained that ODM will never be part of any coalition involving Gachagua, insisting that the former deputy president represents the same brand of politics that Kenya’s youth want to move away from.
He said no amount of persuasion will make ODM youths work with Gachagua, arguing that his political style offers nothing new to Kenyans.
But Babu insists the focus should not be on personalities but on the mission to end oppression, restore democracy, and hold the government accountable.
“2027 is not about who leads the opposition — it’s about saving Kenya from leadership failure,” Babu concluded. “Those who want to cling to outdated political loyalties will be left behind.”
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