Communist Party of Kenya to Hold 2nd National Congress Amid Rising Political Tensions
The Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) is set to convene its highly anticipated 2nd National Congress on November 16-17, marking a pivotal moment in the Party’s ongoing campaign for a fully independent and socialist Kenya. With 126 delegates from all 47 counties and 54 international representatives, the Congress will serve as a critical platform for the Party’s leadership to reassess and refine its strategy in the face of increasing political repression and challenges from rival factions.
In a statement released ahead of the Congress, Booker Omole, Convener of the Working Committee and National Vice Chairperson of CPK, emphasized the gravity of the situation, citing intensified political suppression, including physical and digital surveillance, and the Party’s ongoing struggle against state-backed attacks. The CPK is also confronting betrayal from internal factions, most notably the minority faction led by Mwandawiro Mganga and Benedict Wachira, who the Party accuses of collaborating with the government of President William Ruto.
“This Congress marks a decisive chapter in our struggle. We are committed to the principles of Marxism-Leninism and to leading Kenya’s National Democratic Revolution (NDR),” Omole said. “Unlike opportunistic factions that have allied with imperialist-backed forces, we remain resolutely committed to dismantling the neo-colonial order and establishing a socialist foundation in Kenya.”
**Key Themes and Focus Areas**
The two-day Congress will center around several key themes, all of which seek to strengthen the CPK’s revolutionary position and solidify its role as the vanguard of Kenya’s working class. The Party’s strategic focus will include:
Reaffirming the Struggle for Independence and Socialism: Delegates will discuss Kenya’s continued status as a capitalist and semi-feudal society, under the control of a comprador ruling class that serves imperialist interests. The Congress will map out the next phase of the National Democratic Revolution, with an emphasis on liberating the nation from imperialist and capitalist control.
Rebuilding the Party’s Ideological Foundations: A central aim will be the launch of the CPK’s ideological school, drawing inspiration from the Patrice Lumumba Institute founded by Pio Gama Pinto. This will serve to deepen ideological unity and revolutionary discipline within the Party.
Strengthening Mass Organizations: The Congress will review and energize mass organizations such as the Revolutionary Women’s League and the Young Communist League, reinforcing the Party’s commitment to the mass-line strategy, which prioritizes direct engagement with the Kenyan people.
Cultural and Historical Renewal: The CPK will adopt the Swahili translation of the *Internationale* and unveil the “CPK Songs of Struggle” album as cultural symbols of the Party’s ongoing commitment to the Kenyan liberation movement.
Confronting Counter-Revolutionary Forces: The Congress will mark a clear ideological break from the Party’s dissident factions, particularly the so-called “Gang of Two,” reaffirming the CPK’s unity and ideological clarity as it continues to combat opportunism and revisionism.
Tactical and Strategic Flexibility: Delegates will discuss tactics related to coalition politics, bourgeois legality, and the potential for a popular front, all while staying focused on the long-term goal of seizing power for the working masses.
**International Solidarity and Revolutionary Unity**
The Congress will also feature a robust international dimension, with delegates from communist and workers’ organizations worldwide in attendance. Their participation highlights the CPK’s ongoing efforts to build revolutionary alliances across Africa and globally, uniting against imperialism and for the socialist transformation of society.
“This Congress is not just a meeting,” Omole explained. “It is part of a larger, ongoing process to solidify our revolutionary position. Our mission is clear—we will continue our march toward a free, independent, and socialist Kenya.”
**The Road Ahead**
The 2nd National Congress of the Communist Party of Kenya comes at a time of heightened political volatility in the country. As CPK faces mounting opposition from both the Kenyan government and reactionary internal forces, the Party is determined to push forward with its revolutionary agenda.
“The struggle is ongoing, and it is immediate. The sacrifices of our comrades will not be in vain. We are committed to the long-term goal of a free and socialist Kenya,” Omole concluded.
The Communist Party of Kenya remains steadfast in its mission, and this Congress represents a defining moment in its fight to complete the liberation of the Kenyan people from imperialism and capitalist exploitation.
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