Human rights defender and former Bunge la Mwananchi activist Francis Awino has called for a renewed culture of civic

Story by Ayubu John Afrimedia news.Human rights defender and former Bunge la Mwananchi activist Francis Awino has called for a renewed culture of civic engagement and accountability, urging closer collaboration between activists, institutions, and students to build a more informed and participatory society.

Speaking during a public address, Awino emphasized the need to reconnect academia with real-world experiences, particularly for students of political science at the University of Nairobi. He recalled a past instance where a grassroots leader was invited to lecture students despite lacking formal academic credentials, underscoring that knowledge extends beyond classrooms into lived experience.

Human rights defender and former Bunge la Mwananchi activist Francis Awino has called for a renewed culture of civic

Awino proposed the creation of structured platforms where students can engage directly with activists and practitioners, describing it as a critical step toward nurturing a “thinking nation” grounded in practical understanding of governance and ideology.

Turning to governance and recent political developments, Awino revisited the events surrounding the controversial Finance Bill 2024. He said activists had warned early that the bill would not serve ordinary citizens, and noted that public dissatisfaction eventually spilled into nationwide demonstrations after calls for dialogue went unheeded.

“This struggle has a history, and that history began here,” he said, stressing that public resistance was rooted in long-standing concerns over economic justice and representation.

On accountability, Awino criticized what he termed as inconsistent leadership, arguing that transparency must not be selective. He pointed to an ongoing legal matter—Petition No. 772 of 2025—filed against the Registrar of Trade Unions, Anne Kanake, as an example of pursuing justice through lawful means rather than street protests.

He explained that activists had deliberately chosen a diplomatic and constitutional approach, 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,” Awino stated.

While acknowledging the heavy toll of past demonstrations, including loss of lives, he emphasized the importance of peaceful engagement moving forward. Awino announced plans for formal talks with police 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 and collective in their pursuit of justice. “We are one nation, serving one God,” he said, urging citizens to embrace both challenges and progress as part of nation-building.

“Tunaenda kwa amani, lakini tunaenda na ukweli,” he concluded—signaling a commitment to peaceful action anchored in truth.