'MAU MAU, MALCOLM X INSPIRE US TODAY' - EUGENE PURYEAR

The spirit of Mau Mau, Kenya's fearless anti-colonial Land and Freedom Army (1952-60) that spearheaded the country's struggle for independence from British rule, was rekindled at the recently concluded the Communist Party Marxist Kenya (CPM-K)'s (@communistske on X) second national congress in the capital, Nairobi.

Eugene Puryear (@eugenepuryear on X), a delegate representing the US-based Party for Socialism and Liberation (@pslnational on X) fired up the assembly, reminding them of a 1964 speech by revolutionary Malcolm X (1925-65), calling upon Africans in the United States to emulate Kenyan freedom fighters. Malcolm's powerful speech hailing the Mau Mau showed the extent of his transnational outlook in the global struggle against imperialism. Puryear also reminded us that 21 February 2025, will mark the 60th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X. He noted that on the same date, US military exercises hosted in Kenya with their East African counterparts (code-named ‘Justified Accord’) will be ending, suggesting that revolutionary forces turn the day into one of struggle against US imperialism.

The international nature of the anti-imperialist struggle brings revolutionaries worldwide together for a common cause, as the national congress exemplifies. On 18 February 1957, Dedan Kimathi (1920-57), one of the Mau Mau's most outstanding heroes, paid for Kenya's freedom with his life, hanged by British colonialists. His sacrifice and that of his fellow revolutionaries continue to inspire the working class in many countries today, as Malcolm X testified six decades ago.

Does Malcolm X’s Mau Mau speech also strike a chord with you?

Sources:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-12997138

https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/people-global-african-history/dedan-kimathi-1920-1957/

https://www.crsp.pitt.edu/malcom-x

https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/21/archives/malcolm-favors-a-maui-mau-in-us-at-harlem-rally-he-urges-negroes-to.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH4F1CdQlF8

https://www.army.mil/article/281252/exercise_justified_accord_2025_expands_size_and_scope_in_kenya

https://www.communistpartyofkenya.org/87-recent-news/354-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