Activist warns against unchecked power, calls for public accountability

Human rights defender and Mtetezi Grassroot Convener Francis Awino has called for renewed civic engagement and greater accountability, urging closer collaboration between activists, institutions and students to build a more informed and participatory society.

Speaking during a public address, Awino stressed the need to bridge the gap between academia and real-world experience, particularly for political science students at the University of Nairobi. He cited a past instance where a grassroots leader was invited to lecture students despite lacking formal academic credentials, arguing that practical knowledge is as vital as classroom learning. He proposed structured platforms that would allow students to interact directly with activists and practitioners, describing such engagement as key to nurturing a “thinking nation” grounded in a deeper understanding of governance and ideology. On governance, Awino reflected on the events surrounding the Finance Bill 2024, noting that early warnings from activists about its impact on ordinary citizens went unheeded. He said the lack of dialogue contributed to nationwide protests, which he described as an expression of long-standing frustrations over economic justice and representation. “This struggle has a history, and that history began here,” he said. Awino also raised concerns about accountability, criticising what he termed inconsistent leadership and warning against systems that allow individuals to remain in power without transparency. He argued that disputed leadership outcomes should be nullified and subjected to independent, public audits to restore trust. He pointed to Petition No. 772 of 2025—filed against the Registrar of Trade Unions, Anne Kanake—as an example of pursuing accountability through constitutional means. According to Awino, activists are seeking audited financial records and greater transparency in the management of workers’ contributions. “You cannot collect money from hardworking citizens and then fail to account for it,” he said. Awino further criticised what he described as a system that is failing workers, warning that prolonged leadership without accountability risks institutional decline. He drew parallels with historical cases of entrenched leadership, including the later years of Robert Mugabe. While acknowledging the human cost of past demonstrations, including loss of life, Awino emphasised the importance of peaceful engagement moving forward. He revealed plans to pursue structured dialogue with law enforcement agencies and the Registrar of Trade Unions, expressing confidence in dialogue as a path to resolution. Reaffirming national unity, Awino called on Kenyans to remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. “We are one nation, serving one God,” he said. “Tunaenda kwa amani, lakini tunaenda na ukweli,” he concluded—signalling a commitment to peaceful action anchored in truth.