Musician-turned-activist Kaskazini reunites with family after alleged police abduction

Musician-turned-activist Kasmuel McOure, known by his stage name Kaskazini, has been found unharmed after reportedly being abducted by police following 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 within Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).

Before his disappearance, he had emerged as a stalwart activist during the demonstrations, rallying Gen Z protesters to vehemently oppose the now rescinded Finance Bill.

Following his reported abduction, the Alliance Old Boys' Club issued an 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) is missing since yesterday (25th June 2024) at 4:00 PM," the notice read.

"If you have any information about McOure 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."

Kaskazini spoke to Al Jazeera in Nairobi on Thursday, confirming that he had been released in the morning. 

"I currently can't speak on that (police detention); I haven't processed it. I just got home this morning and I have left my family distraught in the house and I was telling them that I need to go to the ground because if I said on social media that we should not advance to the protected areas they would think that I have been bought off; I have not been bought off," he said.

"We are willing to risk our life 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 I have come to the streets."