Musician-Turned-Activist Kasmuel McOure alias Kaskazini Found Safe After Alleged Police Abduction

Kasmuel McOure, known by his stage name Kaskazini, has been found unharmed after reportedly being abducted by police following the anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi.

Kaskazini, an alumnus of Alliance Boys High School, was reported missing on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. He was last seen in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD). Before his disappearance, he had emerged as a prominent activist during the demonstrations, galvanizing Gen Z protesters to vehemently oppose the now-rescinded Finance Bill.

Following his abduction, the Alliance Old Boys' Club issued a heartfelt appeal for assistance in locating the vocal activist. "Dear Esteemed Old Boys and the larger community, We write to you seeking your urgent assistance. Our fellow Old Boy, Kasmuel McOure (Class of 2014), has been missing since yesterday (June 25, 2024) at 4:00 PM," the notice read. "If you have any information about McOure's whereabouts, no matter how little, please reach out through our social media handles. Every detail matters, and your call could be the missing piece to finding him."

In a statement to Al Jazeera on Thursday, Kaskazini confirmed his release. "I currently can't speak on that [police detention]; I haven't processed it. I just got home this morning and left my family distraught. I told them I need to go to the ground because if I posted on social media that we should not advance to the protected areas, they would think I've been bought off; I have not been bought off," he explained.

"We are willing to risk our lives for the country, but it is a bloodbath. I've come to the streets to tell Kenyans that I am still with them. I have not eaten or showered. I have just changed my clothes and come to the streets," Kaskazini added.

His immediate return to the protest sites underscores his dedication to the cause and highlights the ongoing tension and commitment among activists despite the risks involved.