Activist Francis Awino Injured in Attack By Suspected goons After Fuel Import Probe Press Briefing in Nairobi

Activist Francis Awino addresses the media at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi moments before he was attacked, after calling for accountability over the controversial fuel importation saga.

By: Gladys Karuga 

Activist Francis Awino was injured after being attacked by suspected goons shortly after addressing the media at Milimani Law Courts over a controversial fuel importation deal.

Awino, who convenes the Mtetezi Grassroots Initiative, had led a press briefing calling for the suspension of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui. The group is demanding that the two step aside pending investigations into the importation of approximately 68,000 tonnes of allegedly substandard petroleum products.

The briefing was initially planned for Chester House but was disrupted, forcing organizers to relocate to the Milimani Law Courts where they successfully addressed journalists. During the briefing, the activists issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the two Cabinet Secretaries to resign, citing concerns over accountability in the approval process of the fuel cargo.

According to a statement presented on behalf of the movement, documents reviewed suggest there was official correspondence between government offices regarding a regulatory waiver linked to the shipment. The group questioned why senior officials mentioned in the approval chain remain in office while junior officers connected to the matter have faced arrests and disciplinary action.

Awino criticized what he termed as attempts to silence dissent through intimidation, warning that the movement would escalate its actions from diplomatic engagement to street protests.

“We were planning to take this petition to Parliament, but now we will take the protests directly to your offices until you resign,” he said.

The situation turned violent shortly after the press engagement when Awino was reportedly attacked outside Nation Centre along Kimathi Street. Witnesses say he sustained head injuries after being struck by an unidentified object and was left seriously hurt.

He later received medical attention and reported the incident at Central Police Station.

Another activist, James Mulama, condemned the incident, warning that the allegations surrounding the fuel importation pose a serious threat to public welfare.

“As a Kenyan citizen, I am concerned. Those responsible must face economic crime charges for putting the lives of citizens at risk,” he said.

The incident has sparked renewed concern among civil society groups over the safety of activists advocating for transparency and accountability in public affairs.

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