Date: July 20, 2023

The National Central Organizing Committee of the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) stands firmly in support of the 3-day general strike in Nairobi and across Kenya. We vehemently condemn the resurgence of the oppressive police state and the injustices faced by the Kenyan masses.

We are deeply saddened to inform the public that Comrade Harris Ochieng, a dedicated member of CPK, fell into the hands of police thugs during the July 7, 2023 demonstrations. He was shot by the police at Kitengela Old Naivas at 4 pm while participating in the peaceful protest. His sacrifice and bravery in the face of injustice will be remembered, and we mourn his loss.

Furthermore, on the same day, 37 activists from our party were illegally detained for two nights at Central police station without any charges filed against them only to be released after 2 nights incarceration uncharged. The party is already initiating a petition against these illegal detentions. The use of such oppressive tactics to silence and intimidate activists is unacceptable and goes against the principles of democracy and human rights.

Yesterday's handling of the day one strikes on the rising cost of living by President Ruto confirms his struggle with legitimacy as a leader. We denounce Ruto's criminal gangs, which are ruthlessly taking the lives of the impoverished people of Nairobi in the name of protecting peace, investors, and properties. We firmly believe that no life can be valued less than any amount of property.

We shall not allow peace without justice to prevail, and we reject the existence of the special lethal force created by President Ruto to suppress protestors and engage in cold-blooded killings. Such brutality cannot be tolerated, even for a single day. We call upon all Kenyan masses to intensify the mass offensive until concrete proposals are put forward to dismantle all anti-people policies set out by the Kenya Kwanza kleptocracy.

CPK strongly condemns the 'communist' turncoats, led by Benedict Wachira and Mwandawiro Mghanga, who are aiding and abetting the government's killer squads in the name of forming strategic alliances with capital. We firmly distance ourselves from these lapdogs of the bloodthirsty comprador class misrule.

We reaffirm our unwavering faith in the Kenyan masses, under the steadfast leadership of the working class. We issue a clear warning to the fifth column, led by the disgraced Wachira and Mghanga, that their support for the criminal activities of the current government will not go unpunished.

The struggle for justice, equality, and the rights of the oppressed continues, and we stand in solidarity with the people of Kenya in their fight for a just and equitable society.

In solidarity,

Released by the 2nd National Central Organizing Committee of the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK)