Activists at Bunge la Mwananchi fault Atwoli over accountability, plan march to COTU offices
Activist and Former president of Bunge la mwananchi Francis Owino speaking to the press at Jeevanjee gardens in Nairobi on April 02, 2026
Activists at Bunge la Mwananchi have criticised the leadership of Francis Atwoli, accusing him of overstaying in office and failing to account for resources at the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU).
Speaking during a sitting of Bunge la Mwananchi at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi, activist and former Bunge la Mwananchi president Francis Owino said the forum had convened to deliberate on issues affecting the country, noting that many Kenyans are currently experiencing economic strain and financial instability.
He said part of the discussion centred on the need to pave the way for younger generations to take up leadership positions, with activists arguing that prolonged stays in office limit opportunities for leadership renewal and weaken accountability in institutions.
Owino criticised Atwoli for what he termed as dismissive responses whenever questions are raised about transparency in the trade union body.
“COTU office is one of the offices that are known to always have a leader who doesn’t want accountability and always brushing it off by saying ‘Shenzi type’,” he said.
He further alleged that some institutions operate without proper transparency despite handling resources meant to benefit workers.
“COTU also get funds from abroad which are never accountable for the Kenyans,” Owino added.
The activist announced that members of Bunge la Mwananchi are planning to march to COTU offices next week to demand transparency and access to the organisation’s financial records.
“Next week on Wednesday we will be coming to your offices to see the audited books of COTU,” he said.
Beyond the calls for accountability, Owino also highlighted the historical role played by Bunge la Mwananchi in shaping civic and political discussions in the country. He said the open forum has long served as a platform where ordinary citizens debate national issues and mobilise around matters affecting the country.
Owino pointed to past political engagements that took place at Jeevanjee Gardens, describing them as evidence of the forum’s influence in Kenya’s political space.
“I would describe William Ruto as a senior member of Bunge la Mwananchi because when he formed an alliance with Uhuru Kenyatta, he did it here at Jeevanjee Gardens,” he said.
He said the example demonstrated the role the platform has played over the years as a civic space where leaders and citizens engage on national matters.
Owino urged Kenyans to continue using platforms such as Bunge la Mwananchi to express their views, remain united and actively participate in shaping leadership and governance in the country.
