https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/258/cpmk
We print below a 3 September PDC statement protesting state repression against the Communist Party Marxist Kenya. The deadly violence is ongoing: as reported by the Revolutionary Students Commission, in late September Mulinge Muteti and Collins Otieno, in separate incidents, were abducted and later dumped on a roadside with injuries.
The government of William Ruto has continued a wave of repression against political dissidents, aimed in particular at leaders of the CPMK including general secretary Booker Ngesa Omole and leading cadre Boniface Mulinge Muteti. The left and trade-union movement internationally must defend Communist Party Marxist Kenya activists now!
Comrades Omole and Muteti among others have been targeted, as a CPMK Legal League statement puts it, in a “coordinated campaign by state security organs, primarily the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Special Crime Units”. Attempting to frame leftist political leaders as criminal thugs, the state’s methods consist of assaults, torture, abductions, arrests and a shifting and contradictory array of criminal charges. The next court date for Comrade Omole, at which his trial is expected to commence, is scheduled for 16 October 2026 at the Mavoko Law Courts. While state obfuscation prevents establishing precisely what charges he faces currently, he was initially charged falsely with possession of an illegal firearm and fabricated drug crimes.
The latest wave of repression was unleashed when police blocked this year’s demonstration commemorating Saba Saba Day in Nairobi. On 7 July 1990, Kenyans took to the street in mass protests demanding an end to Daniel arap Moi’s one-party rule. Since then, the day has taken on symbolic significance in the fight for justice and democratic reform. The day deeply resonates with workers and oppressed in Kenya who continue to mark the anniversary despite the threat of repression. Over the last two years, 127 people have been killed in demonstrations marking the anniversary. Mulinge Muteti was abducted, beaten, tortured and his life threatened because he attempted to submit a petition to Parliament against extrajudicial killings during this year’s protest. This is an outrageous attack on all opponents of the Ruto regime and imperialist subjugation of Kenya. He still faces trumped up charges. Drop all charges against Booker Omole, Mulinge Muteti and all CPMK activists!
Behind the incessant state brutality towards the left is the Kenyan bourgeoisie’s quest to smash resistance to the starvation dictates of US imperialism as laid down by the IMF and World Bank. As Trump turns the screws on countries in Africa and elsewhere in a bid to shore up US domination, the working masses face increasing attacks on living standards, jobs, democratic rights and social services. United-front defence against bloody state repression is urgently necessary. Trade unionists and socialists in the imperialist centres have a direct interest in taking a clear side with those facing repression in Kenya. It is the ruling class here, grovelling to US imperialism, that is ravishing healthcare, education and jobs for the working masses at home.
The CPMK is appealing to the workers movement internationally to expose the campaign of repression against them, and defend the rights of the Kenyan left to organise. The CPMK appeal for solidarity as Booker Omole’s court case nears can be found below. Hands off the CPMK!
