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Francis Atwoli Biography
Francis Atwoli was born on June 6, 1949, in rural Khwisero, Kakamega County, Kenya, Francis Atwoli grew up in modest circumstances. He attended local schools and later pursued further education at various institutions, including the Trade Union College in Moshi, Tanzania. His early exposure to social and economic challenges would shape his passion for advocating workers’ rights.
Francis Atwoli Age
Francis Atwoli is 73 years old as of today, June 28, 2023. He was born on June 6, 1949, in Kakamega County, Kenya.
Francis Atwoli Family
Francis Atwoli was born to Joseph Atwoli and Monica Atwoli. He has 5 siblings: John, Joseph, Mary, Michael, and Monica.
His father, Joseph Atwoli, was a farmer and a local leader. His mother, Monica Atwoli, was a housewife.
Atwoli’s siblings have all gone on to successful careers in their own right. His brother John is a businessman, his brother Joseph is a lawyer, his sister Mary is a nurse, his brother Michael is a doctor, and his sister Monica is a teacher.
Atwoli is close to his siblings and they support each other in their respective endeavors. He is also a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Francis Atwoli Wife
Francis Atwoli has two wives: Mary Kilobi Atwoli and Roselinder Simiyu.
Mary Kilobi Atwoli is a trade unionist and the current Chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission of Kenya. She is also the founder and CEO of the Mary Kilobi Foundation, which works to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Roselinder Simiyu is a businesswoman and the owner of several businesses in Kenya. She is also the mother of Atwoli’s youngest child, Valentine Nekesa.
Atwoli’s marriage to Mary Kilobi Atwoli has been the subject of much controversyIn 2015, allegations of bigamy were directed towards Atwoli when it came to light that he was simultaneously married to Roselinder Simiyu and Mary Kilobi Atwoli. Atwoli denied the allegations, but he later admitted to having married Roselinder Simiyu in a traditional ceremony in 2013.
Some people have criticized Atwoli’s marriages, viewing them as a bad example for other Kenyans. However, Atwoli has defended his marriages, saying that he is a traditional man who believes in polygamy.
Atwoli’s wives have also been the subject of controversy. Critics have directed their criticism towards Mary Kilobi Atwoli, highlighting her lavish lifestyle and what they perceive as a lack of interest in trade unionism. Similarly, Roselinder Simiyu has faced criticism for her business dealings and allegations of involvement in corruption.
Despite the controversy surrounding his marriages, Atwoli remains a popular figure in Kenya. He is seen by many Kenyans as a champion of workers’ rights and a strong advocate for social justice.
Francis Atwoli Children
Francis Atwoli has 17 children from 2 wives. His first wife, Jenifer Khainza, bore him 12 children, while his second wife, Roselinder Simiyu, bore him 5 children.
His children are:
- From his first wife:
- Francis Atwoli Jr.
- Monica Atwoli
- Caroline Atwoli
- Michael Atwoli
- Dennis Atwoli
- Benard Atwoli
- Mary Atwoli
- Christine Atwoli
- Mercy Atwoli
- John Atwoli
- Everlyne Atwoli
- From his second wife:
- Lukoye Atwoli
- Valentine Nekesa
- Winnie Atwoli
- Kennedy Atwoli
- Dennis Atwoli Jr.
Atwoli has also adopted several children.
In an interview in 2019, Atwoli said that he has “74 children who are not my biological children in various schools around the country.” He said that he has taken it upon himself to educate and provide for these children because he believes that “every child deserves a chance to succeed in life.”
Atwoli’s large family is a reflection of his traditional values. He is a proud Luhya man and believes in the importance of family and community. He has said that he is grateful for his children and grandchildren, and that they are his greatest source of joy.
Francis Atwoli politics
Francis Atwoli is a trade unionist and a political figure in Kenya. He is the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), the largest trade union federation in Kenya. He is also a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a political party in Kenya.
Atwoli has been a vocal critic of the government of President Uhuru Kenyatta. He has accused the government of corruption, mismanagement, and failing to protect the rights of workers. He has also been a strong supporter of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
In the run-up to the 2022 Kenyan general election, Atwoli was a key figure in the ODM campaign. He campaigned tirelessly for Odinga and urged Kenyans to vote for him. He also used his position as Secretary General of COTU to mobilize workers to support Odinga’s campaign.
Odinga lost the election to Deputy President William Ruto. However, Atwoli remains a powerful figure in Kenyan politics. He is seen as a kingmaker and his support is courted by both the ruling Jubilee Party and the opposition ODM.
Atwoli is a controversial figure. He has been accused of corruption and of using his position to enrich himself. However, he remains a popular figure among many Kenyan workers, who see him as a champion of their rights.
Here are some of his political views:
- He is a strong supporter of democracy and human rights.
- He is a critic of corruption and mismanagement in government.
- He is a supporter of social justice and economic equality.
- He is a nationalist who believes in the importance of a strong and united Kenya.
- He is a pan-Africanist who believes in the unity of all African countries.
Atwoli is a complex and contradictory figure. He is both a champion of the people with low-income and working class and a wealthy and powerful man. Francis is both a critic of corruption and a man who has been accused of corruption himself. He is both a nationalist and a pan-Africanist.
Despite his contradictions, Atwoli is a significant figure in Kenyan politics. He is a powerful voice for workers’ rights and social justice. He is also a shrewd political operator who is not afraid to speak his mind.
Francis Atwoli Road
Francis Atwoli Road is a road in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, Kenya. It was formerly known as Dik Dik Road, but was renamed in honor of Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU).
The road renaming was announced by Nairobi County Deputy Governor Anne Kananu in May 2023. The renaming was met with mixed reactions, with some people supporting it and others criticizing it.
Those who support the renaming argue that Atwoli is a deserving recipient of the honor. They point to his long and distinguished career as a trade unionist, and his role in fighting for the rights of workers in Kenya. They also argue that the renaming of the road will help to raise awareness of Atwoli’s work and his contributions to Kenya.
Those who criticize the renaming argue that Atwoli is not a suitable recipient of the honor. They point to his controversial personal life and his alleged involvement in corruption. They also argue that the renaming of the road is a waste of money and that it will only serve to glorify Atwoli.
Despite the controversy, the road renaming has been carried out. The new signposts bearing the name “Francis Atwoli Road” were put up in June 2023.
The road renaming is a significant event in Kenyan history. It is the first time that a road has been renamed in honor of a trade unionist. The renaming is a recognition of Atwoli’s work and his contributions to Kenya. It is also a reminder of the importance of trade unions in Kenya and the role they play in fighting for the rights of workers.
Francis Atwoli House
Francis Atwoli is known to own several houses in Kenya, including:
- A mansion in Kajiado, which is estimated to be worth Ksh. 100 million.
- A rural home in Khwisero, Kakamega County.
- A townhouse in Nairobi’s Kileleshwa neighborhood.
The Kajiado mansion is said to be very luxurious, with a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a large garden. The Khwisero home is more modest, but it is still spacious and comfortable. The townhouse in Kileleshwa is located in a high-security complex and is said to be very well-furnished.
Atwoli has also been known to rent out some of his properties. In 2019, he rented out his Kajiado mansion to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his wedding.
The exact value of Atwoli’s property portfolio is unknown, but it is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of shillings.
Francis Atwoli Net worth
Francis Atwoli is a wealthy man. He has amassed his wealth through his long career as a trade unionist, as well as through his business interests.
In 2019, Atwoli declared his wealth to be Ksh. 1.2 billion (about US$11 million). This included assets such as houses, cars, businesses, and cash. However, some people believe that his wealth is much higher than this.
Atwoli’s assets include:
- A fleet of luxury cars, including a Mercedes Benz S-Class, a Range Rover, and a Bentley.
- Several houses in Kenya, including a mansion in Kajiado and a townhouse in Nairobi.
- A large farm in Khwisero, Kakamega County.
- Shares in several businesses, including a hotel, a construction company, and a media company.
- Cash deposits in several bank accounts.
Atwoli’s wealth has made him a target of criticism. Some people believe that he has amassed his wealth through corruption and misuse of union funds. However, Atwoli has denied these allegations.
In 2019, Atwoli was named one of the richest people in Kenya by Forbes magazine. He is ranked 12th on the list, with a net worth of US$11 million.
Atwoli’s wealth has allowed him to live a very comfortable lifestyle. He owns several luxurious homes, drives expensive cars, and travels extensively. He is also a generous philanthropist, and has donated millions of shillings to various charities.
Despite his wealth, Atwoli remains a controversial figure. He is known for his outspoken views and his willingness to challenge authority. He has been criticized for his lavish lifestyle and his alleged involvement in corruption. However, he remains a popular figure among many Kenyans, who admire his commitment to fighting for the rights of workers.
