Shiraz Durrani Bücher

Kenya's War of Independence restores Kenya’s stolen history to its rightful place, stripped of colonial interpretations. In this expanded and revised version of his 1986 booklet, Kimaathi, Mau Mau's First Prime Minister of Kenya, Durrani covers Mau Mau’s resistance to colonialism and neo-colonialism and reflects on its ideology, organisation and achievements. He sees Mau Mau in the larger context of Kenya’s war of independence and looks at the influence of organised, radical trade unions as the engine of resistance, linking economic with political demands of working people. Additional chapters document the post-independence resistance by the underground December Twelve Movement-Mwakenya. Durrani captures the dynamism of transition from colonialism to neo-colonialism: “Imperialism replaced colonialism, African elites replaced White Settlers, neo-colonial government replaced colonial government. Resistance changed from the War of Independence to War of Economic Independence. Worker and peasant resistance is evident once again. History is on the march”.

Pio Gama Pinto emerged as a key figure in the anti-colonial movements of both Kenya and India. Born in 1927, he dedicated his life to fighting against Portuguese colonialism in Goa and the British in Kenya, actively participating in the Mau Mau uprising. His imprisonment from 1954 to 1959 highlighted his commitment to liberation, which spanned two continents and addressed both colonial and neo-colonial challenges. Assassinated in 1965, Pinto's legacy endures, inspiring ongoing struggles for freedom and justice.

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Kenya, this narrative details the pivotal strike initiated by the Labour Trade Union aimed at securing an eight-hour workday and wage increases. Following strategic planning and widespread mobilization, including picketing and community meetings, the workers united for a complete strike on April 1, 1937. Their efforts culminated in negotiations that resulted in significant victories, including a wage increase and reinstatement of workers, marking a transformative moment in labor rights and worker solidarity.

Focusing on the intersection of capitalism and imperialism, this collection features over 60 diverse pieces, including essays, interviews, and creative works by Shiraz Durrani. It aims to unveil suppressed truths and provide a fresh vocabulary for understanding complex realities. By reintroducing overlooked historical materials, the book traces the evolution of the trade union movement from India to significant independence struggles in Kenya, highlighting the tensions between socialism and neo-colonialism, and honoring key figures in these movements.

Set against the backdrop of a cold, dark night, a Mawingo bus on its journey from Nairobi to Mombasa becomes the stage for suspense. While the passengers are deep in sleep, four individuals remain awake, hinting at an unfolding mystery. The ominous warning painted on the bus—"Danger- man"—foreshadows potential peril as the vehicle approaches Mtito Andei, suggesting that not all is as peaceful as it seems.

The book delves into the historical conflict between socialism and capitalism in Kenya, highlighting how capitalism emerged victorious with support from Western powers at independence in 1963. It examines the violent suppression of socialist advocates by leaders like Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Arap Moi, who instilled a climate of fear to maintain control. By analyzing documents from key political parties and movements, it reveals the enduring desire for socialism among the populace and critiques the oversimplified narratives that overlook class and ideological struggles.

The Kenya Socialist exists to: Promote socialist ideas, experiences and world outlook; Increase awareness of classes, class contradictions and class struggles in Kenya, both historical and current; Expose the damage done by capitalism and imperialism in Kenya and Africa; Offer solidarity to working class, peasants and other working people and communities in their struggles for equality and justice; Promote internationalism and work in solidarity with people in Africa and around the world in their resistance to imperialism; Make explicit the politics of information and communication as tools of repression and also of resistance in Kenya. This issue, No. 3, is devoted mainly to an extended article by Shiraz Durrani and Kimani Waweru, under the title, Kenya: Repression and Resistance: from Colony to Neo-colony, 1948-1990.