Kasmuel McOure opens up about struggles in US
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth League leader Kasmuel McOure has opened up about the personal struggles he has been facing since relocating to the United States for a leadership program.
Kasmuel, who left Kenya on June 18, 2025, to attend the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship under the Civic Engagement track, shared his experiences in a post on his X account on Saturday, July 26.
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The young leader revealed that adjusting to life abroad has not been easy. He cited challenges such as different gym hours, sleep disruption, and difficulty finding familiar food.
“I’ve been so busy in America that I forgot to do the things that keep me grounded. I’ve struggled with the food, and the gym hours don’t align with my routine. I normally prefer early morning workouts (0500H) and can’t quite bring myself to exercise at any other time of day,” McOure stated.
Despite the initial struggle, Kasmuel shared that swimming has been a major source of relief for him.
“That said, I enjoy swimming. I don’t even view it as a workout. It’s more of a calming ritual. Listening to the water helps me slow down, focus on breath, and reconnect with my thoughts,” he explained.
However, the transition has still come with its fair share of difficulty. Kasmuel said that his sleep schedule has been all over the place, largely due to phone calls from back home.
“My sleep has been erratic, often sleeping at 0200H and waking up at 0400H (Thanks to the calls from home),” he wrote.
However, he said things are starting to look up after he recently discovered a recreational centre in Williamsburg that has a swimming pool, and that has made all the difference.
“I was pleasantly surprised to find a recreational centre with a pool in Williamsburg, and I’ve swum every day since. I sleep better now and wake up feeling refreshed, without the guilt of missing my usual morning workouts,” he noted.
Kasmuel is currently based at the Presidential Precinct, a well-known institution in the U.S. that mentors emerging leaders. In a statement he shared on the day of his departure, he expressed deep excitement about being selected for the fellowship prior to his departure.
“I am honoured to share that I have been accepted into the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship this year under the Civic Engagement track. I will be joining my dream institute, the Presidential Precinct, an institution that perfectly aligns with my work at the ODM Youth League and the broader youth movements I’m involved with across the country,” he wrote.
He described the experience as a transformative one, giving him the chance to learn from a dynamic group of African leaders and an extensive alumni network.
