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LUMUMBA, MPOLO AND OKITO : SHEDDING LIGHT ON UNSUNG ACTS OF BRAVERY OF INSEPARABLE FIGURES IN DRC’S HISTORY

By Reagan Baseya Mbungu updated on January 15, 2024

January 17, is a historical date in DRC and in 2024 it marked the 63rd anniversary of the tragic disappearance of Patrice Emery Lumumba, Mpolo Maurice and Joseph Okito, emblematic figures in the struggle for independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1960. While history has often accorded significant importance to Lumumba, it is crucial to remember that the quest for DRC independence was the fruit of the joint efforts of these remarkable men, and not of a single man in the person of Lumumba and his fellow fighters. 

Lumumba, Mpolo, Okito: United in Fight, Forgotten in History 

All three were intrepid pioneers of Congolese independence, fighting against the colonial yoke to liberate their nation from oppression. Their vision and determination were major catalysts in securing the DRC’s independence, but it is worrying to note that the legacy of Maurice and Okito, deeply linked to that of Lumumba, seems to be gradually fading from the collective memory.  

“These two personalities deserve to be talked about, especially for having played an important role in decolonization and the organization of the newly independent state,” says Maurice Mpolo, grandson of Maurice Mpolo, demonstrating that their collective impact in the struggle for independence deserves to be celebrated and honored in the same way.  

Their fight for independence in 1960 was a crucial moment in the history of the DRC, placing it in the line of emancipated countries, and various awards for their significant contribution have been bestowed on them: National Hero for Lumumba and Grand Officer of the National Order “National Heroes Kabila-Lumumba” for MPOLO and OKITO in 2022. 

But this distinction of title means that their names and contributions are often relegated to the background in favor of Lumumba, who remains an emblematic figure of Congolese independence and whose legacy is widely celebrated and commemorated around the world, despite the fact that his collaborators suffered the same fate as he did. “Patrice Emery Lumumba was undoubtedly the leader of their movement, hence the prominent place he rightly occupies in the country’s history. But those who were killed with him were primarily his collaborators (I emphasize the term) and not just his companions”, added Olivier OKITO, Joseph OKITO’s grandson. 

Beyond the individual, a collective heritage 

Indeed, Lumumba, Maurice and Okito joined forces to fight against colonialism and for the independence of the DRC. Their unwavering commitment and sacrifice were fundamental pillars in the struggle for our country’s freedom and sovereignty.  

Working together, they embodied the determination and courage needed to defy colonial oppression, and laid the foundations for the DRC’s future as an independent nation, ushering in a new era for what the DRC is today. 

Amaury Lumumba, grandson of Patrice Lumumba, declared: “It’s absolutely clear that we can’t do without the names Okito and Mpolo when we look back at the history of the DRC. It would be unfair to reduce them to loyal, dynamic seconds. We’re talking here about intellectuals who left their mark on this turbulent period with their political voluntarism.” 

Their actions marked a major turning point in the country’s history, symbolizing the struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity. Their vision of a free and prosperous nation inspired generations of Congolese to pursue these ideals. 

Since 1960, the DRC has experienced a series of political, economic, and social challenges and upheavals. Despite the hopes raised by independence, the country has faced periods of instability, conflict, and crisis. However, the legacy of the pioneers of independence, including Lumumba, Mpolo Maurice and Joseph Okito, continues to inspire current generations to work for a better 

future. “His vision for his country was extremely modern. His position on women’s education, his commitment to freeing Congolese men and women from their inferiority complexes – in short, his desire to put the Congolese in charge of their own destiny – all bear witness to this,” says Amaury. 

Mpolo Maurice and Joseph Okito: Reaffirming their place in the history of the DRC 

Young Congolese should deepen their knowledge of Lumumba, Mpolo and Okito in order to grasp the importance of their commitment, courage, and values. Their determination to defend the sovereignty and dignity of their nation is a powerful example for younger generations. According to Amaury, Lumumba’s grandson, “Patrice Émery Lumumba’s intellectual curiosity and determination will have marked a life that he ultimately gave to us. He was very much like today’s youth, who are not afraid to challenge codes and conventions imposed as immutable truths. Young people who shape their own lives and find their own solutions to everyday problems.” 

By integrating their history and ideals, young people can be inspired to contribute positively to the future of their country, drawing on the lessons of the past to shape a better future, for the legacy of Patrice Emery Lumumba, Mpolo Maurice and Joseph Okito remains a timeless symbol of the struggle for freedom, self-determination, and justice.  

Their contribution to the history of the DRC must be celebrated and preserved, as it embodies the indomitable spirit of a nation that aspires to freedom and prosperity for all its citizens.  

When we celebrate this commemoration, it is imperative that we commit ourselves to perpetuating the memory of these three heroes of Congolese independence, and to passing on their story with respect and dignity. In doing so, we will not only truly honor their legacy but will also ensure that they take their rightful place in the history of the struggle for Independence from Colonialism.





Africa, the cradle of humanity, a land that stirs the soul with its mystic allure. My soul chose to be born in a land where golden savannahs stretch far and wide. A land where one can witness the plains come alive with the rhythmic footsteps of herds embarking on their breath-taking migration in a timeless display of resilience and unity. A country that holds beauty, that enchants the senses and ignites wonder.

My land, my motherland Kenya. Born into a Kenyan family of Asian descent, a family that has lived and breathed Kenya and Africa for previous 5 generations, I can only identify as a Kenyan, a proud 6th generation African. Brought up in a family where ‘Being Human’ was the main principal belief. We have been raised with values that don’t differ greatly from those of the thousands of tribes that make up Africa – roots, heritage, family, faith, morals, principles and more.

Many years ago, I stood on stage at a speech writing contest in High School, where I described the strategy behind Muhamad Ali’s glorious win where he “floated like a butterfly, and stung like a bee” against George Foreman, in the fight forever known as the ‘Rumble in the Jungle.’ Years later, never even in my wildest imagination, did I imagine I would be living in the very ‘jungle’ itself, and working in the world of strategic storytelling and encouraging the amplification of Congolese voices and narratives far and wide across the globe from the heart of Africa.

Congo or as it was then called Zaire, a land that was stamped in the memory of the World as the place where Ali fought Foreman and caused a mighty Rumble in the boxing world. A battle that was immortalised in the song ‘In Zaire’ sung by Johnny Wakelin. Congo was a land everyone wanted to know about.

A land that is endowed with all the riches known to mankind. A blessed land, with a rich cultural heritage and a teeming, deserving population. A land sadly destroyed by its colonial past. Which, since its independence, is slowly trying to attain its rightful place in the World. It is here that I arrived five years back.

As I look back on my first five years of living in the Democratic Republic of Congo, there have been moments of floating and very often, little stings. I moved to Kinshasa for love. In the beginning, I can honestly admit, it was not love for the city or the country or the people – I didn’t know enough about this 

ginormous country and the 100+ million people that fill its borders – it was personal love. But five years later, I never thought I could love a country and its people as though they were mine. That love comes from the heart that feels the mystic rhythm of the African land, and I couldn’t be prouder to call it home.

You can never shake the ancient dust of Africa off your boots – no matter how far and wide you travel.

Having lived in London for thirteen years followed by a few years in the Middle East, returning to Africa was natural. 

The love for Africa always remains in the soul. Living in the heart and soul of Central Africa, has been an adventure.

The narratives that have filled Western Media have sung a different song for many years, call it geo-politics, strategic positioning, economic control, all things aside, the story of the Congo has never really been told loudly by the Congolese themselves. From the outside looking in, the perceptions are dotted and plagued with negativity, but on the ground, the beating hearts of the Congolese are rumbling a little louder day by day towards progress, and it’s in these slivers of hope, that the true stories are revealed.

The stories that spotlight the young entrepreneur battling to build a viable business, young students carving out their careers currently into untapped and underdeveloped industries, the non-existent middle class that should build the private sector and contribute to its growth and the country’s economy, international investors building projects that create jobs and wealth for the locals as much as it does for the financial interest in the Congo. We can’t talk about changing the narrative of a country when we don’t discuss the positive changes that education, infrastructure developments, economic policies, universal health care, food self sufficiency etc can contribute towards developing Congo.

In Africa, a transformative era is on the horizon as the continent sets its sights on change and development like never before, and country examples like Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Morocco, and Kenya are a testament to these positive changes. A combined drive by the Africans to build an Africa by Africans for a future developed Africa. A daunting task as a fellow African who first arrived in Kinshasa for a two-week trip which quickly extended from month to month and snowballed into creating a business in the field of strategic advisory and communications. It was created around the simple premise – the African narrative needs to be written by the Africans, and the Congolese needed a platform for their voices to be heard as far and wide across the globe.

At the heart of Africa, the center of its soul, the Congolese beats are picking up. Business is quietly picking up, post the first peaceful democratic elections. As the incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi embarks on his second mandate, the world waits with bated breath for the promised change and greater development, the impact of which can be felt across the entire population. Whether its infrastructure, governance reform, education, better health, access to basic needs – there are plenty of conversations to be had. Storytelling, an essential part of Congolese culture, an oral tradition that is filled with narratives, stories, and songs, need to be told from the perceptions and opinions of the Congolese.

In the past, and especially in 2023 the power and bias of the international media came to the forefront.

Geopolitics and powerful Media Houses controlled and amplified the narrative that in their perception was important. It’s only natural to question the visibility of certain global issues over another. This raises the question about the impact of our voices when catastrophes and issues affecting an African country are narrated differently. Whether it’s election, unrest or other catastrophes affecting an African country, sometimes the western media does not consider it newsworthy because they do not have an in-depth understanding and information of the issues and disasters that affects this Continent.

There are a lot of positive changes happening as well, and these news worthy developments need to be made a part of the Global narrative. Positive or negative these conversations need to be had openly and who better than the Africans to be at the forefront of this narrative. The true voices of the Congolese need to be heard from their heart and soul and from their perspective. That’s when the true picture of the reality of their lives, struggles and aspirations emerges.

There is a need for a platform where the Congolese voices and the African voices can be heard, where views can be freely given not as a negative but as a positive approach to help bring the DRC to take its rightful place, not just in Africa but also in the World. Is it not our experiences from around the world when put together with like minded individuals – where greatness begins? Where stories and narratives become the basis for legacies.

DRConversations is the platform created as a gift for all the voices that need to be heard, for all the emotions that need to be expressed and to bring forth the dreams and aspirations of a nation on the cusp of development. Join this journey by sharing openly your knowledge and experience to make DRC a happy, positive and progressive Nation.

It’s time for another rumble in the jungle – Welcome to the conversations from the Congo.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             KS