Mtetezi – the Grassroots Economic Justice Movement has issued a press statement demanding immediate withdrawal of what is termed as recycled charges against activist Francis Awino.

This comes just hours after the activist was charged with attempted extortion of Sh 1.7 million from KWS Director General Erastus Kanga.

The lobby group claims that the charges stem from revival of old cases that were previously dismissed by JKIA Airport Law Courts for lack of evidence.

“The decision to resurrect the same allegations, months later, raises serious questions about abuse of the criminal justice

system to suppress lawful public interest litigation,” the lobby claims.

According to Awino, the timing of these actions leaves little doubt that the objective is to intimidate him and derail proceedings related to the CS Energy, Wandayi and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) DG Erustus Kanga accountability cases.

“This pattern points to a deliberate attempt to intimidate and frustrate judicial activism, particularly at a time when the petitioner is actively pursuing accountability in the

ongoing case concerning the fuel price hike, sub-standard fuel importation, and calls for the step-aside of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi,” the release states.

The lobby group claims that the use of dismissed cases to re-arrest and threaten a petitioner undermines the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

It also undermines the constitutional right to public interest litigation, protection of activists and whistleblowers, the rule of law and due process.

“Judicial activism must not be criminalized. Courts exist to resolve disputes and enforce accountability, not to become triggers for harassment of those who seek justice,” he noted.