Activist Francis Awino has called for public audits and accountability in trade union leadership during a public lecture on April 2, 2026. He stressed the need for collaboration between activists and educational institutions. The remarks come days after a court challenge against Francis Atwoli's re-election as COTU-K Secretary General.
Activist Francis Awino delivered a public lecture on Thursday, April 2, 2026, urging trade union leaders to embrace accountability and public participation. "Citizens need leaders who will be accountable and serve them properly," Awino stated.
He proposed creating special platforms to enable students to collaborate directly with activists and social experts. Awino criticised leaders clinging to power without transparency, insisting that disputed results should be nullified and independently audited.
He called for records of audited funds to ensure workers' contributions are managed transparently. These comments follow a recent court petition challenging Francis Atwoli's re-election as COTU-K Secretary General, seeking to suspend its implementation.
"Failing to provide crucial information violates the Constitution and denies workers full participation rights in their unions," the petition stated. Kenya's trade unions have long faced accountability issues, including complaints over fund misuse and prolonged leadership.
