Activist Francis Awino Calls for Accountability and Transparency in Public Institutions at Jevanjee Gardens Forum
Activist Francis Awino addresses members of the public during a civic forum at Jevanjee Gardens in Nairobi, calling for accountability and transparency in public institutions and trade unions.
NAIROBI, April 2, 2026 — Activist Francis Awino, a former president of Bunge la Wananchi, has called for increased accountability in public institutions and trade unions, urging citizens to embrace dialogue and ideological engagement as essential pillars of democratic governance.
Speaking during a public forum at Jevanjee Gardens in Nairobi, Francis Awino described the historic people’s parliament as an influential civic platform capable of shaping political discourse across Africa and beyond.
“This is a very big platform in Central Africa and even in the world .It is a space where people freely express themselves and where ideologies are built without cartelism.”Awino said.
He said public forums such as Bunge la Wananchi provide an avenue for citizens to exchange ideas and participate directly in governance conversations, noting that academic institutions could benefit from engaging with grassroots debates.
“We want students from the University of Nairobi to come here and hear the ideologies discussed here,” he said, adding that civic spaces complement classroom learning through practical political engagement.
Francis also referenced broader African political thought, describing what he termed “Mugabeism” as an ideological perspective rooted in African identity and independence in governance discussions.
Reflecting on past protests against the Finance Bill, he said grassroots mobilisation that began at Jevanjee Gardens later evolved into a wider national movement advocating policy reforms.
“We said we did not want the Finance Bill because it violated the rules . The struggle started here before spreading across the country and the world.”Francis said.
He acknowledged that previous demonstrations resulted in loss of lives and emphasised the need for lawful and diplomatic engagement in future advocacy efforts.
“This time we must use diplomacy. Every time confrontations happen without dialogue, people get hurt,” he said.
A significant portion of his address focused on accountability within the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), where he questioned transparency in leadership and financial management.
Francis said activists had filed a court petition seeking access to audited financial records.
“We want audited books. Workers contribute money every month and they deserve accountability . You cannot collect people’s money and fail to explain how it is used.” He said.
He added that the group intends to formally present its demands to the Registrar of Trade Unions and other relevant authorities through institutional processes.
“We will be going to the office of the Registrar to seek audited books of COTU. Any election conducted without audited accounts is fraudulent and cannot be accepted,” he stated.
Awino further criticised the use of tribal divisions in politics, calling for equal enforcement of the law regardless of status or position.
“What we want is one law for everyone. Accountability must apply to all leaders,” he said.
Addressing supporters, he framed civic activism as a responsibility aimed at safeguarding future generations, urging citizens to remain committed to peaceful democratic participation.
“Our lives have been put on the line, and we are not afraid . This is just the beginning. We must finish what we started through peaceful and democratic means.” Francis said.
The gathering attracted activists, civil society members and members of the public who engaged in discussions on governance, labour rights and political reforms.
Public forums at Jevanjee Gardens continue to serve as open spaces for civic dialogue and citizen participation in national affairs.
