Francis Atwoli is a prominent and well-liked figure in Kenya, known for his flamboyant lifestyle and his work as a trade unionist. Born on June 6, 1949, in Kakamega County, Atwoli has spent the majority of his life in Kenya, although his work has required him to travel around the world.
Atwoli is the longest-serving Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) and is widely regarded as a champion of workers’ rights. He has instituted paternity leave and enforced labor laws during his tenure at COTU, which has lasted for around twenty years. Atwoli is also a member of various other trade union organizations, including the International Labor Organization’s Governing Body and the Trade Union Federation of Eastern Africa.
Beyond his work as a trade unionist, Atwoli is known for his luxurious lifestyle. He is a wealthy man, with a net worth of close to Ksh 1 billion, and is not afraid to flaunt his wealth. He wears designer clothes and custom-made accessories worth millions of dollars, and he owns a fleet of luxury vehicles worth Ksh 600,000,000. Atwoli’s mansion in Kumpa, Kajiado, is a palace with a 100-car parking lot, a 300-person restaurant, numerous guest rooms, a helipad, and well-kept lawns.
Atwoli is also known for his humorous hashtags, including “In whose hands will we be safe?,” “Shenzi Sana,” and “Alaaa!” He is a devout Catholic and a teetotaler, and he is polygamous with three wives. His marriage to Mary Kilobi, a former KTN news anchor, was controversial due to their 35-year age difference.
Atwoli’s contributions to championing workers’ rights for over 54 years have earned him the honor of having a road named after him. Mandera Road was renamed Francis Atwoli Road in recognition of his efforts. Atwoli receives allowances from various boards he serves on, in addition to a monthly salary of not less than Ksh 5,000,000 from COTU. He also runs businesses such as a large flower farm and residential houses in Nakuru and Nairobi.
