The Struggle for Socialism in Kenya

Kenya’s untold history of socialism comes to light in this groundbreaking book by Paul Akello Ogula. The Struggle for Socialism in Kenya recalls the story of the Kenya People’s Union (KPU), a socialist party formed in 1966 and banned just three years later by President Jomo Kenyatta. Despite its short life, KPU represented a powerful, nationwide push for uhuru na ujamaa – freedom and socialism. Its inclusive leadership and transformative land and economic policies once threatened to reshape Kenya. Yet today, few know of Odinga, Kaggia, Oneko, or the dozens of leaders from every corner of the country who risked everything for justice and equality. Why has this vital chapter of Kenya’s political history been erased? Because it stood on the brink of success. Because its message still resonates. Now, thanks to Ogula’s bold research and Vita Books’ fearless publishing, this lost history is finally told. The Struggle for Socialism in Kenya is an important addition to the chronicles of two other major suppressed movements that challenged capitalism and imperialism, namely, the Mau Mau and the covert resistance of the December Twelve Movement and Mwakenya.