DNK International By Our Reporter,Nairobi.
Human rights defender and Mtetezi Grassroot Convener Francis Awino has called for a renewed culture of civic engagement and accountability among students and civic rights activists.
Awino has urged for a stronger collaboration between activists, institutions, and students to foster a more informed and participatory society.
Speaking during a public address, Awino stressed the need to bridge the gap between academic learning and real world experiences, particularly for students at the University of Nairobi.
He cited a past instance where a grassroots leader was invited to lecture political science students despite lacking formal academic credentials, noting that knowledge is not confined to lecture halls but also rooted in lived experiences.
Awino proposed the establishment of structured platforms that would enable direct interaction between students and practitioners, describing the initiative as vital in nurturing a “thinking nation” grounded in practical understanding of governance and ideology.
Turning to governance, Awino revisited the controversial Finance Bill 2024, stating that activists had raised early concerns about its potential impact on ordinary citizens.
He argued that the failure to embrace dialogue contributed to the nationwide demonstrations that followed, reflecting deep seated frustrations over economic justice and representation.
“This struggle has a history, and that history began here,” he said.
On matters of accountability, Awino criticized what he termed inconsistent leadership and warned against systems that allow individuals to remain in power without transparency.
He maintained that contested leadership outcomes should be declared null and void and subjected to independent public audits to restore credibility.
He pointed to Petition No. 772 of 2025 filed against the Registrar of Trade Unions, Anne Kanake, as a lawful effort to demand transparency.
According to Awino, activists are seeking audited financial records and accountability in the management of workers’ contributions.
“You cannot collect money from hardworking citizens and then fail to account for it,” he said.
Awino further criticized systems he believes are failing workers, warning that prolonged leadership without accountability risks institutional decline.
He drew parallels with entrenched leadership witnessed during the later years of Robert Mugabe.
While acknowledging the heavy toll of past demonstrations, including loss of lives, Awino emphasized the importance of peaceful engagement going forward.
He revealed plans to initiate formal dialogue with law enforcement agencies and the Registrar of Trade Unions, expressing optimism that structured engagement could offer a sustainable path to resolution.
Reaffirming national unity, Awino called on Kenyans to remain united in their pursuit of justice.
“We are one nation, serving one God,” he said.
“Tunaenda kwa amani, lakini tunaenda na ukweli,” he concluded, signaling a continued commitment to peaceful action anchored in truth.
[DNK-International@April 3,2026]
