Classes and Class Struggle in Kenya

CLASS STRUGGLE IN KENYA To understand social class in a society we should begin by making a scientific analysis of what certain groups or strata will or will not do, what they will or will not support, based upon our knowledge of their class background, interests, ideas and practices. An understanding of class forces in Kenya will lead to the conclusion that Kenya is a neocolonial, capitalist state with its base in imperialism. Further, it will tell Kenyans and the progressive world that under the capitalist system certain classes exist, each with a clear role in the production and maintenance or the destruction of capitalism, its political and military forces. Kenyan society is divided into five distinct socio-economic classes, and they are: a) the bourgeoisie, b) the proletariat, c) the lumpen-proletariat, d) the peasantry, e) the pastoralists. The Kenyan bourgeois class includes Africans, Europeans and Asia and consists of four main strata: 1) the imperialist bourgeoisie, 2)the comprador bourgeoisie, 3)the nationalist bourgeoisie and 4) the petty-bourgeoisie. all of them, with the possible exception of lower echelons of the petty-bourgeoisie, are exploiters of the working class people. Presently, the comprador bourgeoisie, though numerically small (1% of the population), is the ruling class in Kenya. it is the upholder of the capitalist mode of production. Its basic characteristics are that it lives on its parasitic connection with world imperialism, serving it faithfully in all social spheres. It has accumulated the most capital locally in its role as junior partner of world imperialism.Some members of this class, including the President of the Republic, cabinet ministers, members of parliament and judiciary, have unlimited accounts in swiss banks and other imperialist, capitalist shelters. Morally and intellectually, the comprador class is bankrupt and corrupt. In conclusion, this book aims at defining the class forces in Kenya as well as providing some directions in defining who is an ally and who is opposing the national democratic revolution, either overtly or through underhanded deversions and intrigues. Those Kenyans who see the necessity for a revolutionary change in the country must first deal with the fundamental question: "Who are the class enemy and who are the real friends of the Kenyan working class people?" or "the question potential enemies, or potential friends". What segment of population will be the major political force in the struggle for a national democratic revolution?