ASSAULT ON FRANCIS AWINO SPARKS COURT PETITION OVER 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 Mtetezi Movement National Convenor Francis Awino was attacked on April 10, 2026, during a press briefing in Nairobi over the substandard fuel importation saga.

The incident occurred as Awino and members of the Mtetezi – Grassroots Economic Justice Movement addressed the press to demand the resignation of the two Cabinet Secretaries over alleged links to the fuel waiver process that reportedly enabled the importation of substandard fuel.

During the briefing, a group of unidentified individuals reportedly stormed the venue, disrupted the session and assaulted journalists before attacking Awino, leaving him injured. He was later taken to hospital and has since been discharged.

The movement links the attack directly to its push for accountability in the fuel scandal, arguing that it raises concerns about intimidation of individuals involved in public interest advocacy.

The petition filed in court now seeks the removal of the two Cabinet Secretaries, with Mtetezi arguing that their continued stay in office undermines public confidence in accountability processes.

The group notes that investigations into the fuel importation matter have already led to arrests and resignations of junior officials within the sector, raising questions about oversight at higher levels.

Speaking to the press after his discharge, Awino raised concerns over what he described as a pattern of intimidation targeting those demanding transparency.

He explained that the attack had heightened fears among whistleblowers and civil society actors involved in the matter.

“This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of whistleblowers and those pursuing public interest litigation. It also speaks to a broader attempt to silence voices demanding accountability,” he said.

In the petition, Mtetezi is also seeking the immediate suspension of the Energy and Trade Cabinet Secretaries pending investigations, protection for whistleblowers and public interest petitioners, and action against those involved in the alleged assault on Awino and members of the press.

The movement maintains that the incident marks an escalation from a governance dispute into a matter involving alleged violations of constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and public participation.

The case now shifts to the courts, where the petitioners are seeking accountability and greater transparency in the fuel importation process.