Rights actvist calls for public audit, civic engagement, accountability in labour leadership

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

Speaking during a public address, Awino emphasized the need to bridge the gap between academia and lived realities, particularly for political science students at the University of Nairobi.

He cited a past instance where a grassroots leader without formal academic credentials was invited to lecture students, arguing that knowledge extends beyond classrooms into practical experience.

He proposed the establishment of structured platforms that would enable students to engage directly with activists and practitioners, describing the move as essential in nurturing a “thinking nation” grounded in real-world understanding of governance and ideology.

On governance, Awino revisited the events surrounding the Finance Bill 2024, noting that activists had raised early concerns about its potential impact on ordinary citizens.

He said the failure to prioritize dialogue contributed to nationwide demonstrations, reflecting broader frustrations over economic justice and representation.

“This struggle has a history, and that history began here,” he stated.

Addressing accountability, Awino criticized what he termed inconsistent leadership and cautioned against systems that allow individuals to retain power without transparency.

He argued that contested leadership outcomes should be declared null and void and subjected to independent public audits to restore trust.

He pointed to Petition No. 772 of 2025, filed against Anne Kanake, as an example of pursuing justice through constitutional means.

According to Awino, the petition seeks 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 faulted what he described as a system that has failed workers, stressing that leadership must be anchored in accountability, renewal, and the will of the people.

He warned that prolonged control without transparency risks institutional decline, drawing parallels with entrenched leadership seen during the later years of Robert Mugabe.

While acknowledging the human cost of past demonstrations, including loss of life, Awino underscored the importance of peaceful engagement moving forward.

He revealed plans to initiate formal dialogue with law enforcement agencies and the Registrar of Trade Unions, expressing confidence in structured engagement as a path toward 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, adding, “Tunaenda kwa amani, lakini tunaenda na ukweli.”