Booker Omole
Comrade Booker Omole | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General Secretary of the Communist Party Marxist - Kenya | |
| Assumed office November 2024 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Gem Constituency, Siaya County |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Political party | Communist Party Marxist - Kenya |
| Alma mater | University of Nairobi, Faculty of Engineering |
| Website | Communist Party Marxist - Kenya |
Booker Ngesa Omole is a Kenyan politician and activist known for his commitment to Marxist-Leninist ideology. He currently serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party Marxist - Kenya (CPMK), a position he assumed following the transition of the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) into the CPMK.[1] Prior to this role, Omole held the position of National Vice Chairperson of CPK, where he played a significant part in the party's evolution and ideological direction.[2]
Early life and education
[edit]Booker Omole was born in Gem, Siaya County, a region known for its political activism.[3] He attended the University of Nairobi, where he studied Engineering. His involvement in student politics laid the foundation for his future in Kenya’s socialist movements. He became an early member of the Young Socialist League, actively participating in grassroots mobilisation efforts, which later fed into his role in the Social Democratic Party of Kenya (SDP) before its transformation into a communist organisation.[4]
Political career
[edit]Communist Party of Kenya (CPK)
[edit]Omole played a pivotal role in the reorganisation of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) into the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) in 2019.[5] This transformation marked a significant shift in the party's focus toward Marxist-Leninist ideology, aiming to address widespread social inequalities in Kenya and focusing on the struggles of the working class and peasants. As a key leader, Omole advocated for revolutionary tactics and systemic change, calling for a socialist state rooted in Marxism-Leninism.
He served as the National Vice Chairperson of CPK and was actively involved in various protests against economic policies perceived as detrimental to the working class, including the June 2024 Gen Z uprisings protesting the IMF-Finance bill.[6] Omole's leadership extended into electoral politics; he ran for political office in the 2012 and 2017[7] elections but was unsuccessful. He was expected to contest in 2022 but faced setbacks,[8] notably his nomination papers being absent from the IEBC nominee list despite active campaigning efforts.[9]
Leadership in CPMK
[edit]Following the reconstitution of CPK into CPMK, Omole became its general secretary, guiding the party through significant ideological and organizational changes.[1] Under his leadership, CPMK formulated key documents such as the People’s Program for National Democratic Revolution,[10] detailing strategies for transforming Kenya into a socialist state. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping CPMK's policies and strategies, where, during the Second National Congress of CPMK, key documents, including the party’s constitution[11] and policies on mass mobilisation, were revised. He also spearheaded restructuring efforts within party organs like the Revolutionary Youth League and Women’s League,[12] emphasising scientific leadership and evaluating party cadres based on their ideological contributions.[13]
Ideological contributions
[edit]Booker Omole is recognized for his extensive political activism and his unwavering dedication to representing the interests of Kenya’s working class and peasantry. He advocates for dismantling capitalist structures to establish a socialist state in Kenya, emphasising the need for revolutionary change to address social inequalities and empower the working class, whom he views as the true producers of the country’s wealth.[14]
As one of Kenya's leading Marxist-Leninist theorists, Omole has made significant contributions to the ideological development of the Communist Party Marxist - Kenya (CPMK).[15] His writings provide a critical analysis of bourgeois politics and underscore socialism's essential role in addressing economic inequalities in Kenya.[16] Through his theoretical contributions and active engagement in political discourse, Omole continues to shape the leftist narrative in the country.[17]
Arrest and charges
[edit]Throughout his career, Booker Ngesa Omole has been a vocal advocate for various socio-political issues, particularly focusing on workers' rights and criticising government policies he perceives as detrimental to the populace.[18] His activism has often led to confrontations with state authorities, highlighting the challenges faced by leftist movements in Kenya.[19] On September 7, 2024, Omole was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport while traveling to Beijing.[20] This detention was widely viewed as politically motivated due to his outspoken opposition[21] to President William Ruto’s government, which he has accused of authoritarianism and human rights violations.[22][23]
The Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) denounced Omole's arrest as illegal and politically motivated, asserting that he was on an official assignment when detained.[24] The party emphasised that Omole's activism and leadership represent a direct challenge to the ruling regime's authority, which they claim is characterised by fear and repression. In his autobiographical work, Communist Party of Kenya and Manifestations of Class Struggle in Kenya, Omole articulates the struggles faced by the Kenyan people[25] under a regime dominated by a wealthy elite, stating: “Kenya is a dictatorship, with a few wealthy people dominating all spheres of life. Capital is the dominating factor; with money, everything is for sale! Even people!”[26]
After being charged with incitement to violence, Omole was released, but the charges were seen as part of a broader government crackdown on leftist activists in Kenya.[27] Following his release, police raided his home on September 11. This escalated concerns about state harassment against political activists amid ongoing repression of dissenting voices.[28] His arrest garnered attention from international leftist groups and human rights organisations, which condemned the action as an attempt to suppress dissent. His case has drawn solidarity from various national and international organisations[29] advocating for his freedom and the protection of political rights in Kenya.[30] Omole's experiences reflect the broader context of political repression in Kenya,[31] where leftist leaders face significant risks for their activism.[32]
Public speaking and advocacy
[edit]Omole is recognised for his eloquent public speaking on issues such as corruption,[33] social justice, anti-imperialism, and international solidarity. His speeches often connect local struggles of poverty, exploitation, corruption,[34] and police brutality with global movements advocating for revolutionary change,[35] anti-imperialism, and solidarity among working-class movements.[36] He frequently appears as a pundit on platforms like Citizen TV, KTN[37] and K24, articulating the struggles faced by Kenya’s working class.[38]
He has also been an outspoken critic of Western imperialism,[39] aligning himself with the Global South while expressing admiration for China’s development model as an alternative path for African nations seeking to escape neo-colonial exploitation.[40]
Publications
[edit]Booker Ngesa Omole has authored several significant works that articulate his political philosophy and critique of Kenyan society. In his writings, Omole critiques the capitalist structures under an elite ruling minority[41] that he believes perpetuate social inequalities, arguing that the working class is the true producer of the country’s wealth.[42]
His Party works include foundational documents for the Communist Party Marxist Kenya (CPMK), such as the Party Constitution and policies on mass mobilisation, which stress the importance of a united working-class movement in achieving meaningful change.[43] Through these publications he critically analyses bourgeois politics and highlights socialism's essential role in addressing economic disparities.[16]
Omole's insights extend beyond domestic issues; he has also engaged in broader discussions about international relations,[44] particularly regarding China's role in Africa. He has spoken on platforms about how the partnership between China and African nations offers an alternative to exploitative relationships historically imposed by Western powers.[45] His speeches often emphasise mutual respect and cooperation as fundamental principles guiding these international engagements.
Booker Omole was also the editor in chief of the Kenya Engineer Journal [5],[46] a publication for engineers in East Africa and beyond. Kenya Engineer, which offers peer-reviewed content, has been in publication since 1972.[47]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Mwangi, Nick (17 November 2024). "REBIRTH: Communist Party Marxist – Kenya comes alive as thousands gather to install new General-Secretary". Nairobi Wire.
- ^ "Booker Omole: This is why we have called for a national party Congress". Citizen Digital. 15 November 2024.
- ^ Raballa, Victor (18 December 2020). "Gem of Siaya: Where professors, scholars abound". The Nation.
- ^ Marxist Kenya, Communist Party. "The Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) gets another victory in the Kenyan courts!". CPMK.
- ^ Ukaya, Brian (2019). "Social Democratic Party of Kenya changes name to Communist Party of Kenya". The Standard.
- ^ Omole, Booker Ngesa (4 July 2024). "Kenya's IMF Deal: A Betrayal of the People's Struggle and CPK's Alternative Path to Economic Liberation". Daily Nation Zambia.
- ^ "IEBC-Data-Report-of-2017-Elections-April-2020.pdf" (PDF). INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL AND BOUNDARIES COMMISSION: 99. April 2020.
- ^ Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (2022). "Omole v Mghanga & 2 others; Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) (Interested Party) (Complaint E024 (NRB) of 2022) [2022] KEPPDT 965 (KLR) (10 May 2022) (Judgment)". Kenya Law.
- ^ PPDT (May 2022). "Omole v Wachira; Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) & another (Interested Parties) (Complaint E051 (NRB) of 2022) [2022] KEPPDT 970 (KLR) (8 May 2022) (Judgment)". Kenya Law Review.
- ^ Mwangi, Nicholas (22 November 2024). "Communist Party Marxist Kenya charts a new way forward for a "for a truly independent socialist Kenya"". People's Dispatch.
- ^ "CPMK Constitution and Programme_2024" (PDF). Communist Party Marxist-Kenya. 5 December 2024.
- ^ Kumar, R Arun (1 December 2024). "A Young and Vibrant Second Congress of CPK". People's Democracy.
- ^ Kenya Marxist, Communist Party (17 November 2024). "Press Statement by the General Secretary, Booker Omole, of the Communist Party Marxist Kenya (CPM-K), after the Successful Day 1 of the 2nd National Congress". CPMK.
- ^ Patterson, Zachary J. (17 October 2024). "The Kenyan Uprising". CADTM.
- ^ "The Communist Party Marxist – Kenya". Progressive International. November 2024.
- ^ a b Omole, Booker Ngesa. "AN INTROSPECTIVE TALE OF KENYA'S LEFTIST STRUGGLE". CPKM.
- ^ "Booker Omole of the Communist Party of Kenya - History and Class Analysis of Kenyan Elections Dispatch". Guerrilla History. 26 August 2021.
- ^ Gachie, Kenneth (16 October 2024). "Booker Omole: The return of Maandamano, and the State of the Nation". Citizen Digital.
- ^ "Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Kikomunisti cha Kenya, Booker Ngesa asema kuwa baadhi ya polisi wanawatishia". Kenya Moja. 11 September 2024.
- ^ Harmony, Princess (10 September 2024). "Drop charges against Kenyan communist leader Booker Ngesa Omole!". Workers World.
- ^ Kulkarni, Pavan (20 September 2022). "Morocco fails to get Kenyan endorsement for its colonial occupation of Western Sahara". People's Dispatch.
- ^ Kulkarni, Pavan (5 February 2024). ""We will fight in the streets of Nairobi for our brothers and sisters in Haiti"". People's Dispatch.
- ^ "Kenya's communists fight state repression, IMF-World Bank policies". People's Dispatch. 13 April 2021.
- ^ "Statement from the Central Organizing Committee of the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK)". Friends of Socialist China. September 2024.
- ^ Kulkarni, Pavan (9 April 2021). "Court hearing of Communist Party of Kenya members postponed to Monday". People's Dispatch.
- ^ "Stand in solidarity with CPK National Vice Chairperson, Booker Ngesa Omole". Friends of Socialist China. September 2024.
- ^ "Stand in solidarity with Booker Ngesa Omole, CPK National Vice Chairperson". Struggle La Lucha. 9 September 2024.
- ^ PRWG (4 July 2024). "Right to protest: Police must stop violence, act on goons". Kenya Human Rights Commission.
- ^ "Solidarity statement with Booker Omole of the Communist Party of Kenya against ongoing repression". Samidoun. 9 September 2024.
- ^ "NLG IC joins US-based organizations in solidarity with Booker Omole of the Communist Party of Kenya". International National Lawyers Guild. 9 September 2024.
- ^ Wachira, Benedict (19 December 2014). "The Arrest and Imprisonment of Comrade Gacheke Gachihi and the Seven Peaceful Demonstrators is a Travesty of Justice". CPMK.
- ^ Githethwa, Njuki (8 July 2024). "Everything must fall, everything must change". ROAPE Journal.
- ^ Onyango, Philip (27 September 2020). "Besieged Legislator Seeks Court Orders to Stop Demo". Kenya News Agency.
- ^ Kulkarni, Pavan (14 June 2021). "Kenyan left prepares for mass protests against controversial constitutional amendments". People's Dispatch.
- ^ Marxist Kenya, Communist Party. "Remembering Comrade Zarina Patel: A Revolutionary Legacy". CPKM.
- ^ Muigai, Anne (November 2024). "Communist Party of Kenya to hold 2nd national congress amid rising political tensions". Nipashe Biz.
- ^ "Booker Ngesa: Both the president and his deputy should be impeached". KTN News. October 2024.
- ^ Omole, Booker (May 2021). "COMMUNIST PARTY OF KENYA (CPK) MAY DAY 2021 SOLIDARITY MESSAGE TO KENYAN WORKERS AND TRADE UNIONS". CPKM.
- ^ Omole, Booker Ngesa (27 November 2023). "The Global Struggle Against Imperialism: Communist Party of Kenya, Perspective – Booker Ngesa Omole | Communist Party of Kenya". World Anti-Imperialist Platform.
- ^ Mckenzie, Roger (17 March 2024). "China is a 'counterforce' to US exploitation, says Kenyan communist leader". The Morning Star.
- ^ Singh, Tanupriya (1 April 2023). "Between Elite InFighting and State Violence, Kenya Masses Forge Own Struggle". News Click.
- ^ Omole, Booker (18 March 2020). "Communist Party of Kenya Press Statement on the COVID 19 Pandemic". The Elephant.
- ^ Omole, Booker (2024). "Press Release Statement on the 2nd National Congress of the Communist Party of Kenya". Communist Party Marxist-Kenya.
- ^ Kimberley, Margaret (4 August 2023). "International Solidarity with Venezuela's Fight Against Coercive Measures". Black Agenda Report.
- ^ "Booker Ngesa Omole: Amidst the rise of the Global South, we welcome China's engagement with Africa". Friends of Socialist China. 17 March 2024.
- ^ "About the Kenya Engineer". Kenya Engineer Journal.
- ^ "About Us". Kenya Engineer Journal.