The "Mic Cheque" podcast, renowned in Kenya for its engaging social and political conversations, has recently stirred controversy by inviting Kasmuel McOure as a guest. Previously a vocal critic of the government, McOure's transition to a supporter has led to significant criticism and backlash from the audience.
The podcast, known for its candid discussions on politics, social issues, and current affairs, has cultivated a dedicated following over the years. Many of its fans, particularly those who are critical of the government, tuned in for its sharp, often critical, commentary on various political matters. However, the dynamics shifted with the podcast hosting a government loyalist whom many of them think is a turncoat, having rode on the last year's countrywide demonstration.
Once the podcast had posted on X that it would be hosting Kasmuel as its 237th episode, the response from the podcast's audience was swift and severe. Its comments section and replies flooded with criticisms, with many fans accusing the hosts of being compromised and abandoning their values.
Some listeners expressed their disappointment, claiming they no longer trusted the podcast to offer objective analysis or unbiased viewpoints. A significant number of listeners announced they were unsubscribing or unfollowing the podcast, leading to a noticeable dip in engagement.
Although calling for cool heads to separate the show from its host, Olympian and celebrated chef Dennis Ombachi was among whose feathers were ruffled.
"Let's go easy on the intolerance, respect, free speech and separate the show form the hosts. Hapa hakuna tofauti na podcast zina sanitize ule mwizi but this has its own TA so me personally as a matter of principle I am pulling out of my next appearance. You'll get mad views though, a win is a win I guess!" he shared on X.
"Same ones that had an issue with kibe as a matter of principle" shared @pmuoge
Kasmuel now an avid supporter of ODM, seems to have seen it coming having discussed the issue of him being on the podcast.
"The way other guests were being treated, I felt that I would not have gotten as much status, because there are other guests who come in and banter and then there would be serious. I would hate to come to a place insecure," he shared on the podcast.
