Kenya: Hunger Revolution
He 17 May a march was held for the Njaa Revolution (Hunger Revolution) en Nairobi, promoted by the Revolutionary Socialist League, Kenyan section of the International Socialist League. We reproduce the document that was read at the demonstration and the statement issued to the press.
Kenya is a country of ten millionaires and ten million beggars. This was a phrase of warning and prediction at the time, but today it is a painful reality that continues to unfold every day, crushing the resilient spirit of patriotic and hard-working Kenyans. On this Labor Day, as we reflect on the well-being and dignity of workers here in Kenya and around the world, we ask what country is this that is so determined to kill its people through an exploitative and oppressive economy that has turned Kenya into a country of 50 billionaires and 50 millions of beggars. What, in 2022 under an elected government, while children and babies are starving in Marsabit and Baringo, millions more are facing drought across the country and Kenyans from all walks of life are struggling to afford a meal a day, callous political cabal brazenly criss-cross the country campaigning and selling snake oil, it's disgusting to say the least.
This country, in the last ten years under Uhuruto's presidency there has been a steady downward spiral in the quality of life for Kenyans, with the cost of living skyrocketing to unacceptable heights with no increase in income and high levels of unemployment. Survive in Kenya with the prices of the most basic food products such as cornmeal, milk and bread rising every dawn has become an extreme sport. Kenyans have continued to demand lower food prices, asking the government to introduce interventions to protect citizens from fluctuations, but instead of that, the government has rejected these calls with an abhorrent attitude and brazenly punished those who dare to question or protest against oppression, unleashing police terror on innocent Kenyans.
Government, in irresponsible abandon, has continued to take out loans that place an additional burden on thecitizen (person/town) common, but these do not benefit from these loans, as corrupt dealers loot and embezzle loans, completely bleeding the country. We can no longer appeal to a rude government that is hell-bent on belittling and killing its citizens. The projected growth in Kenya's GDP only makes sense if all households, especially those with low income and unemployed, can afford, As minimum, decent meals throughout the day. The problem of food prices is only symptomatic; the main cause of our problems as Kenyans is a failed and incompetent government that does not respect or consider its citizens. Considering that the elections are approaching, we unequivocally and fearlessly demand that real practical interventions be employed to alleviate the pressure oncitizen or we will mobilize to boycott the elections. With the same ease with which ballot boxes reach the most remote places, so should government efforts to reach all hungry Kenyans. The government must act to review taxes on basic food products and subsidize prices.
It is unfortunate that the country has been in campaign mode for the last five years with politicians only interested in furthering their selfish interests at the expense of the citizens, completely neglecting their representative roles. The Public Ministry turns a blind eye to cases of corruption in this electoral period. Kenya deserves better and voters must not now forget how hungry they have been for the last five years, while the stomachs of those who voted swelled. We must all agree as citizens of this country, in punishing these unscrupulous power mongers and daring to vote for new visionary leaders, selfless and authentic who serve us with dignity and treat us with respect. We must overcome the constant complaints and take back the reins of our country from the hands of these neoliberal fascists.
In view of this, we hereby require:
- Full implementation of the article 43 of the constitution that guarantees economic and social rights, included, among others, the rights to food, the House, education and health.
- Budget adoption and implementationcitizen that will regulate the price of basic goods, including corn flour, milk and even petroleum products such as cooking gas.
- Reduction of public spending on programs that are not of high priority for Kenyans. This implies the reduction of official trips, unnecessary government vehicle purchases, hotel expenses, furniture, printing and advertising to reduce expenses.
- That corruption be classified and treated as treason, mainly for destroying our present and killing the future of our nation.
- Food distribution for all those who are hungry.
PEOPLE'S DECLARATION
ALL FOR THE NJAA REVOLUTION!
YES TO REDUCING FOOD PRICES! NO TO THE INACCESSIBILITY OF COMMODITIES AND POVERTY!
Definitely, life is becoming increasingly unbearable for the people of Kenya. Commodity prices continue to rise every day, and most people can't afford food, the most basic human right under our constitution. Foods like cornmeal, cooking oil, rice, wheat and groceries are too expensive for ordinary Kenyans.
further, we have witnessed massive job loss and a terrible economic crisis due to state mismanagement and corruption. We are witnessing home demolitions carried out by the State against the people. We are facing a severe water shortage. Cases of police violence and murders are on the rise. Most Kenyans are unable to access adequate medical services. rent is unaffordable.
The gap between the richest and the poorest has reached extreme levels in Kenya. Less than 0,1% population (8.300 people) has more wealth than the rest 99,9% (more of 48 millions of people). He 10 % richest of the Kenyan population earned on average 23 times more than the 10 % more poor.
The people of Kenya are suffering from a gigantic wave of attacks. The crisis of neoliberalism plunges many millions of people into poverty, the expansion of state repression threatens the limited democratic rights that have existed in parts of the world and the food crisis threatens the lives of many people.
THUS, WE THE PEOPLE OF KENYA DEMAND:
- Immediate drop in the prices of food and other basic products.
- Immediate removal of increased taxes on fuel and other items.
- Access to free quality healthcare for all.
- Provision of clean water for all.
- Provision of decent housing for all and immediate suspension of rent.
- Equal access to work for all and an end to mass unemployment.
We, the people of kenya, hereby, we make the following statement:
That we consider the above demands as our cardinal pillars in our struggle for a decent life, that we consider the fulfillment of these demands the necessary condition for a decent and sustainable life, and that we will not cease mass action unless these demands are met.
We call on the patriotic citizens of Kenya to rise up and demand to live a dignified life!!
We call on the patriotic citizens of Kenya to join the fight for equality!, freedom and justice!
We call on the people of Kenya to rise up for their sake and for the sake of future generations!!
We call on the people of Kenya toSAY NO TO STATE REPRESSION, TO POVERTY, TO UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE INCREASE IN COMMODITY PRICES!
We call on the people of Kenya to join thePROTEST FOR FEEDING THE PEOPLE and SAY YES TO WORK, AFFORDABLE FOOD, HEALTH AND A DECENT LIFE!
WITHOUT FOOD, NO ELECTIONS!
REDUCE THE PRICE OF FLOUR! (LOWER THE PRICE OF FLOUR!)
LOWER FOOD PRICES!
NJAA REVOLUTION!
THE PEOPLE UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED!!
