These Rules of Engagement govern the internal operations, decision-making processes, and collective conduct of the Kenya Left Alliance (KLA). Rooted in our four foundational pillars Socialism, Anti-imperialism, Pan-Africanism, and Feminism these rules ensure our alliance operates with revolutionary discipline, democratic participation, and unwavering commitment to the liberation of Kenya and Kenyans.
Revolutionary Unity
All members commit to revolutionary unity over personal ambition, placing the collective struggle above individual interests while respecting diverse tactical approaches within our strategic framework.
Democratic Centralism
Decisions are made collectively through democratic debate, and once adopted, all members commit to unified implementation while retaining the right to continued internal debate.
Anti-Oppression Framework
All activities must actively combat racism, sexism, homophobia, tribalism, classism, and all forms of oppression. No tolerance exists for discriminatory language, actions, or attitudes within our ranks.
Ideological Clarity
Members must demonstrate understanding of and commitment to socialist principles, anti-imperialist analysis, Pan-Africanist solidarity, and feminist practice.
Membership Responsibilities
● Active participation in political education and organizing activities
● Financial contribution according to ability (sliding scale for workers and unemployed)
● Adherence to security protocols and confidentiality agreements
● Commitment to personal growth and collective accountability
● Regular attendance at meetings and mass actions
Rights of Members
● Equal voice in decision-making processes
● Access to political education and skill-building opportunities
● Protection from state repression through collective security measures
● Due process in any disciplinary proceedings
Working Groups
Thematic working groups aligned with our 12-point programme:
● Labor and Youth Employment
● Land and Agrarian Reform
● Healthcare and Education
● Anti-Corruption and Debt Justice
● International Solidarity
● Gender and Social Justice
● Environmental Justice
● Popular Communication and Culture
Security Committee
● Responsible for member safety and operational security
● Reports only to Coordinating Committee
● Implements protection protocols for threatened comrades
Consensus Building
● Strive for consensus on major strategic decisions
● Use modified consensus allowing for principled disagreement
● Fallback to (a to be determined %) majority vote when consensus impossible
● Minority reports included in all major decisions
Emergency Decisions
● Steering Committee empowered for urgent responses
● Decisions ratified at next NDC or any special congress that will be called by the alliance
Internal Communication
● Secure communication channels for sensitive discussions
● Regular newsletters and updates to membership
● Accessible formats for differently-abled comrades
External Communication
● Designated spokespersons for media and public statements
● Translation of statements, foundational documents and any updates from the alliances into Kiswahili and other languages
● All public positions must align with agreed programme
● Criticism of alliance positions directed internally first
● Social media guidelines emphasizing collective messaging
Information Security
● Compartmentalization of sensitive organizing information
● Regular security training for all members
● Protocols for dealing with infiltration attempts/Counter infiltration protocols including: graduated access systems to sensitive information, thorough vetting, verification process and background checks, and training on how to identify behavioral red flags that could be indicators/identifiers of an infiltrator.
● Protection of member identities in hostile environments including but not limited to protests.
Principles of Revolutionary Justice
● Transformative justice over punitive measures
● Community accountability and healing-centered approaches
● Recognition that conflict is inherent in struggle
● Commitment to growth and political development
Conflict Resolution Process
Stage 1: Direct Dialogue
● Parties attempt direct resolution with mediator if needed
● Focus on political education and movement accountability
● Timeline: (x number of days or weeks) for resolution attempts
Stage 2: Working Group Mediation
● Relevant working group facilitates structured dialogue
● Power dynamics and oppression factors considered
● Written agreements on behavior change and accountability
● Timeline: (x) weeks maximum
Stage 3: Organizational Intervention
● Steering Committee assigns resolution team
● Includes members not directly involved in conflict
● May involve temporary separation of parties
● Educational requirements or restorative actions
● Timeline: x weeks maximum
Stage 4: Disciplinary Action
For severe violations threatening organizational integrity:
● Suspension from leadership positions
● Supervised participation in activities
● Required political education and accountability work
● Expulsion only for violations of anti-oppression principles or security breaches
Appeals Process
● Right to appeal all disciplinary decisions
● Appeals heard by panel not involved in original decision
● External mediators from allied organizations when needed
Resource Mobilization
● Membership dues on sliding scale based on income
● Fundraising through aligned community events
● Grants from progressive foundations
● Solidarity support from international allies
● No corporate or government funding
Financial Accountability
● Monthly financial reports to Steering Committee
● Annual audit by qualified progressive accountant
● Transparent budgeting process with member input
● Emergency fund for legal defense and member support
Resource Allocation
● Minimum x% for organizing and mass work
● Maximum x% for administrative costs
● Priority funding for marginalized member activities
● Legal defense fund maintained at x% of annual budget
Coalition Work
● Strategic alliances with progressive organizations
● United front work on specific campaigns
● International solidarity relationships
● No alliances with reactionary or pro-capitalist forces
Electoral Strategy
● Independent political organization
● Tactical engagement in elections when advancing programme
● No support for neoliberal candidates or parties
● Building independent political power
State Relations
● No collaboration with state security apparatus
● Legal strategies focused on defending movement rights
● Mass mobilization as primary tool for change
● Protection of members from state repression
Continuous Learning
● (Weekly or Monthly) political education sessions required for core members
● Study circles on revolutionary theory and practice
● Skills-sharing workshops and capacity building
Ideological Development
● Regular assessment of political line and strategy
● Integration of local and global liberation struggles
● Cultural work and consciousness-raising activities
● Critique and self-criticism sessions
Operational Security
● Security culture training for all members
● Secure communication protocols
● Counter-surveillance awareness
● Physical security for meetings and events
Member Protection
● Rapid response networks for threatened comrades
● Legal support and jail solidarity
● Financial assistance for persecuted members
● Relocation support when necessary
Information Protection
● Need-to-know basis for sensitive information
● Regular security assessments and updates
● Protection of member identities and personal information
● Protocols for media engagement and public exposure
Regular Assessment
● Quarterly review of organizational effectiveness
● Annual strategic planning and goal-setting
● Member feedback and evaluation processes
● External evaluation by allied organizations
Adaptation and Growth
● Regular updating based on lessons learned
● Integration of new movement strategies and tactics
● Responsiveness to changing political conditions
Collective Responsibility
All members share responsibility for upholding these rules and holding each other accountable to revolutionary principles and practices.
Leadership Accountability
Leaders held to higher standards and subject to recall by membership for violations of these rules or betrayal of organizational principles.
Living Document
These rules evolve with our struggle while maintaining fidelity to our core principles and revolutionary objectives. These Rules of Engagement serve as our collective commitment to building revolutionary organization capable of challenging capitalist exploitation, imperialist domination, and all forms of oppression. Through disciplined unity, democratic participation, and unwavering solidarity with the oppressed masses, we advance toward the liberated society we seek to create.
Kenya is at a unique inflection point where the Left can make significant wins over the coming years and even take the presidency with majorities in every legislative house by 2032.
