Mtetezi Grassroots file petition seeking judicial intervention over alleged irregularities linked to the energy sector
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 10 – Mtetezi Grassroots Economic Justice Movement – strongly condemns the violent assault on our National Convenor Francis Awino, who was attacked by goons who disrupted the press briefing, assaulted journalists, and later inflicted injuries on him, leading to hospitalization.
The incident followed Mtetezi public demand for the resignation of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui over their links to the substandard fuel waiver process.
With Francis Awino discharged from hospital, we have filed a public interest petition in court seeking the immediate removal from office of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Energy CS Lee Kinyanjui on grounds that:Their office is linked to the waiver chain that enabled importation of substandard fuelInvestigations have already led to arrests and resignations of junior officialsContinued stay in office undermines public confidence in accountability processes.
The assault on a petitioner raises concerns of intimidation surrounding the scandalThe court petition will further seek:Immediate suspension of the Energy and Trade CS pending investigationsProtection for whistleblowers and public interest petitionersAccountability for those involved in violence against Awino and journalists.
Mtetezi emphasizes that the attack on Francis Awino marks a dangerous escalation from a governance dispute into a matter touching on assault, violation of constitutional rights, freedom of expression, and public participation.
Awino has filed Petition No. 230 of 2026 in court, seeking judicial intervention over alleged irregularities linked to the energy sector, including claims of conspiracy and lack of transparency in government dealings.
The petition calls for accountability, protection of whistleblowers, and action against those allegedly involved in orchestrating violence and intimidation.
Awino in his remarks framed his struggle as part of a broader national liberation narrative, arguing that civic activism in Kenya has always come with a cost, including arrests, intimidation, and political pressure.
He stressed that the ongoing fight is grounded in constitutional rights, particularly freedom of expression, association, and public participation.
The petition also signals planned mass action, including a march to Parliament, as Awino calls on citizens to demand accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
He has also made a direct appeal to William Ruto, urging him to rein in state agencies and ensure compliance with the Constitution.Security officials have been urged to protect citizens involved in activism and prevent further violence, as tensions continue to rise around the case.
Awino maintains that while he remains committed to legal and diplomatic channels, continued intimidation risks pushing the country into deeper public unrest.
The unfolding case has now evolved from a street-level confrontation into a high-stakes constitutional petition, placing issues of governance, transparency, and civil liberties at the centre of national debate.
