Comrades and compatriots,
Today, we honour two monumental revolutions in human history—the Haitian Revolution of 1804 and the Cuban Revolution of 1959. These uprisings, separated by more than a century, stand as enduring beacons of anti-imperialism, resilience, and a clear irrefutable proof that victory is always with the oppressed masses and not the oppressing class.
The Haitian Revolution was the first successful revolt by enslaved people against a colonial power, striking a decisive blow to the edifice of slavery and imperial domination. It was an act of profound courage that reverberates through the ages, inspiring all who struggle for freedom. Similarly, the Cuban Revolution ignited a flame of hope for the oppressed peoples of the world, demonstrating that even in the shadow of imperialist hegemony, nations could chart their own course towards socialism, dignity, and sovereignty.
As Kenyans, we draw profound lessons from these revolutions. Our own struggle for genuine independence, led by Dedan Kimathi and the gallant fighters of the Land and Freedom Army, shares a common thread with the Haitian and Cuban revolutions: the unyielding quest for self-determination and the rejection of imperialist exploitation. Kimathi’s words, “It is better to die on our feet than to live on our knees,” echo the defiance of Toussaint Louverture and José Martí, whose lives were devoted to the cause of human liberation.
The resolutions of the 2nd National Congress of the Communist Party Marxist (CPM) Kenya encapsulate this revolutionary spirit. Our People’s Charter, TUNAKATAA, rooted in the call for Land, Food, and Freedom, embodies the anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist ideals championed by Haiti and Cuba. It is a clarion call for a Kenya where sovereignty is not merely political but also economic and social—anchored in the principles of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
The Cuban Revolution, now in its 66th year, continues to demonstrate what a resolute, socialist people can achieve. Despite decades of an illegal U.S. blockade, Cuba has built an enduring legacy: universal healthcare, free education, social equality, cultural flourishing, and scientific innovation. Cuba has shown us the possibility of creating a “new human being,” as Che Guevara envisioned—a socially conscious individual ready to fulfil both national and international duties, untainted by materialism and driven by solidarity.
Cuba’s internationalism is unparalleled. The Henry Reeve Medical Brigade, whose humanitarian missions have saved millions of lives, remains a living testament to Cuba’s commitment to a better world. Its presence in global crises underscores the revolutionary principle that solidarity knows no borders.
Today, we reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with Cuba. We condemn the unjust U.S. economic blockade and the baseless designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. These acts are designed to strangle the Cuban people and stifle their revolutionary resolve. We demand the immediate lifting of the blockade and Cuba’s removal from the terror list.
Cuba’s entry into BRICS signals the dawn of a new multipolar world. The rise of BRICS challenges the imperialist monopoly of global power and offers hope for economic sovereignty for oppressed nations. It is a reminder that the axis of resistance is growing stronger, heralding the inevitable decline of the U.S. empire and its capitalist puppets.
As we commemorate these revolutions, let us build an unyielding global axis of resistance against imperialism and capitalist exploitation. The struggles of the Haitian, Cuban, and Kenyan peoples are not isolated; they are interwoven threads in the fabric of a universal fight for land, food, freedom, equality, and socialism. In the words of Fidel Castro, “The impossible is what we must achieve, because possible has already been done.”
Let us move forward with unity, guided by the spirit of Dedan Kimathi, José Martí, Toussaint Louverture, and Fidel Castro, to achieve the freedom and socialism that history demands.
Land, Food, and Freedom!
Forward to Victory!
Booker Omole
General Secretary, Communist Party Marxist (CPM) Kenya