Original article by Nicholas Mwangi republished from peoples’ dispatch under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA) license.

An armed attack on Kenyan communist leader Booker Ngesa Omole has sparked global outrage, with revolutionary groups expressing solidarity.

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, at approximately 3:00 am, an armed attack targeted the residence of Booker Ngesa Omole, General Secretary of the Communist Party Marxist-Kenya (CPMK). According to a statement released by the Party, the assailants—armed with firearms and equipped with night vision goggles—forced their way into the residence. A violent confrontation ensued as Booker defended himself, ultimately forcing the attackers to flee.

While the Kenyan police were quick to label the incident as an attempted burglary, the CPMK described it as a calculated assassination attempt. Booker, an organizer and fearless critic of the government, has been a vocal opponent of oppressive state policies. This shocking attack is seen as a direct assault on his activism, ideas and a broader effort to silence dissent.

“This was not a random act of crime but a direct assault on our General Secretary, who has consistently stood up for justice, democracy, and socialism in Kenya,” the Party declared. “This act of terror is an attack on the revolutionary cause and all Kenyans who are fighting for a better future.”

The Communist Party Marxist Kenya has demanded a full and transparent investigation, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and that urgent measures be taken to protect its leadership and members.

“We will not be silenced,” the Party’s statement declared. “The enemies of the people may attempt to intimidate us, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to the struggle for liberation. No amount of violence will deter us from our revolutionary path.”

A rising tide of repression

The attack on Booker comes amid growing concerns over Kenya’s shrinking democratic space. Since the 2024 youth-led uprising against the controversial finance bill, government critics and activists have faced an alarming rise in abductions and violent attacks. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), dozens of individuals have been abducted or forcibly disappeared since mid-2024, deepening concerns of state repression.

International solidarity and condemnation

Revolutionary organizations across the continent have rallied in support of Booker and the CPMK, drawing parallels between the Kenyan experience and the broader struggle against neo-colonial exploitation, austerity, and imperialism. 

Communist Party of Benin: assassination attempt as a declaration of war

The Communist Party of Benin unequivocally denounced the assassination attempt and the broader campaign of repression against the CPMK. They described the attack as a declaration of war by counter-revolutionary forces linked to the regime. They called for united action among revolutionary organizations worldwide. The Party also expressed confidence that the repression would fail, and the Kenyan people’s democratic national revolution would prevail.

Abahlali baseMjondolo: “an injury to one is an injury to all”

Abahlali baseMjondolo, South Africa’s largest grassroots movement, linked the attack to the broader context of neo-colonial austerity and oppression. Recalling the mass protests against the Ruto government’s Finance Bill and the brutal crackdown that followed, they emphasized the global nature of the fight against imperialist-backed regimes. “An injury to one is always an injury to all,” the movement stated, condemning the attempt on Booker’s life. 

Socialist Movement of Ghana: a struggle against neoliberalism

The Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) expressed alarm at the assassination attempt and the subsequent arrests of CPMK leaders. They condemned the Kenyan government’s use of brutal force to suppress protests against IMF-driven neoliberal policies, linking the violence to broader struggles against neo-colonial exploitation. The SMG called for accountability for the regime and expressed unwavering solidarity with the CPMK and the Kenyan working people.

Booker responds: “we will prevail”

In a personal statement, Booker expressed his gratitude for the solidarity. “Your messages of support have reminded me, and all of us, that the fight for a just society resonates far beyond our borders,” he said. No force can silence the collective will of the people.”

Booker also revealed that officers from the Serious Crimes Unit had visited his residence and begun an investigation. He emphasized the importance of a transparent and professional inquiry, stating:

“This is a critical opportunity for the state to absolve itself of any suspicion of involvement by ensuring that those behind this heinous act are brought to justice swiftly and decisively. The Kenyan people deserve nothing less, as it is our taxes that entrust the state with the responsibility of protecting the lives of all citizens without exception.”

Addressing his comrades in the CPMK and other progressive forces, Booker called for unity and vigilance in the face of adversity:

“Attempts to disrupt our struggle for a liberated and equitable society only prove the fear our enemies feel in the face of our growing strength,” he declared. 

“Let this moment deepen our resolve and ignite revolutionary optimism within our ranks. The path to justice and socialism is never without struggle, but history shows us that the people, united in their determination, will always prevail.”

Original article by Nicholas Mwangi republished from peoples’ dispatch under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA) license.