Assault on activist Awino sparks court petition in fuel scandal
A public interest petition has been filed in court seeking the removal of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui after Activist and Mtetezi Movement National Convenor Francis Awino was attacked on April 7, in Nairobi following a press briefing on the substandard fuel importation saga.
The incident occurred shortly after Awino and members of the Mtetezi Grassroots Economic Justice Movement addressed the press demanding the resignation of the two Cabinet Secretaries over alleged links to the fuel waiver process that enabled the importation of substandard fuel.
According to the movement, a group of unidentified individuals pursued Awino attacking him along Kimathi street. He sustained injuries and was admitted to hospital before being discharged.
Speaking to the press after his discharge, Awino described the attack as intimidation targeting individuals pursuing accountability in the fuel scandal.
He noted that the incident had heightened fears among whistleblowers and civil society actors involved in the matter.
“This incident raises serious concerns about intimidation of those pursuing accountability and public interest litigation,” he said.
Awino further confirmed that the movement has filed Petition No. 230 of 2026 seeking the removal of the two Cabinet Secretaries, arguing that their continued stay in office undermines public confidence in ongoing investigations.
He explained that the petition also seeks their suspension pending investigations, protection of whistleblowers and public interest petitioners, and accountability for those involved in the alleged assault.
Mtetezi National Coordinator Nyanjom Joshua also condemned the incident, linking it to the group’s push for accountability.
He said the attack followed their demand for action against senior officials over the fuel waiver process.
“We strongly condemn the assault on Francis Awino. The incident followed our demand for the resignation of the Energy and Trade Cabinet Secretaries over links to the substandard fuel waiver process," Joshua said.
The movement pointed out that investigations into the fuel importation saga have already led to arrests and resignations of junior officials, raising questions about accountability at higher levels.
Activist James Mulamba called for protection of young leaders and urged authorities to ensure accountability across all levels.
He emphasized that investigations should not be limited to junior officers.
“We cannot have a situation where junior officials are sacrificed while those higher up avoid accountability,” he said.
The case now shifts to the courts as pressure mounts for transparency and accountability in the handling of the fuel importation process.
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