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Francis Atwoli, the long-serving Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), and his wife, journalist Mary Kilobi, have welcomed their first child together after seven years of marriage.
The couple’s bouncing baby boy, named Atwoli Junior (AJ), was born early this week while Atwoli was away in Geneva. However, the COTU boss jetted back to Kenya on March 25.
Their relationship has been the subject of public fascination since 2016, when speculation about their romance made headlines before the couple finally confirmed the union.
In June 2018, Atwoli sent a delegation to Mary Kilobi’ s parents in Kavula village, Bumula Sub-County, to fulfill the Luhya traditional marriage formalities. They officially got married in August 2018 and have been living together since then.
The couple resides at their palatial IIbisil home in Kajiado County where the veteran unionist is known to host delegations of visitors.
Their marriage sparked controversy after Kilobi ’s ex-fiancé. Despite the public uproar, Kilobi went ahead with the marriage, becoming Atwoli ’s third wife. The pair has thrived with many Kenyans amazed at the youthful vitality that now characterises ‘Katibu’ as Atwoli is fondly known.
Kilobi indicated in the past that she had initial misgivings about the relationship, which were eventually dispelled.
In a past interview with The Nairobian, Kilobi revealed that Atwoli ’s persistence won her over.
No medical procedure
“He proposed to me, but I said no. But he insisted, saying that he was serious and would wait for even 1,000 years for me to say ‘yes’ and marry him. But I have now realized that age should never be a key consideration in a relationship. Atwoli is that guy who is never bothered about mundane issues that sometimes break up marriages,” she said.
Kilobi stated that she had no issue being in a polygamous marriage and dismissed claims that she married Atwoli for money. The journalist also shared that Atwoli was not present during their son’s birth as he was in Geneva at the time.
According to Kilobi, Atwoli was really excited and overjoyed to see his son Atwoli Junior “AJ” upon arrival.
In an interview with a local daily, the news anchor shared her experience as she welcomed her first child with the Cotu Secretary General.
“I did not go through any medical procedures to conceive; I believe everything happens when it is supposed to. I know people will have much to say but I am happy,” the 40-year-old said.
It is not immediately apparent how the entry of new baby will be taken by the extended family, seeing as Atwoli is polygamous and has children with two other wives. The Cotu boss now has 18 children in total.
Many Kenya’s will be interested to know the age difference between Prof Lukoye Atwoli, a prominent son of the trade unionist and the latest entrant.
Lukoye was born in 1976, making him 48 years older than the new born. He is Atwoli’s first child. A prominent psychiatrist and academic, Prof Lukoye is currently serving as the Dean of the Medical College East Africa at Aga Khan University. He holds a PhD from the University of Cape Town and has significant expertise in mental health policy and trauma research.
He is also the chairperson of the board at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital and actively participates in various national health initiatives. Additionally, he writes a weekly column addressing social issues in Kenya and has contributed to numerous mental health policies.
His newest sibling AJ is probably set for great things if history is anything to go by.
Booming speech
Already, comparisons are being made between his circumstances and those of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who himself was born when his father was 70 years old. AJ comes along when his dad is a sprightly 76 years of age and looking younger by the day.
Atwoli, famed for his booming speeches and signature rallying cry of ‘YES! YES!’ continues to command attention both in the political and social spheres. Whether clad in his trademark flowing purple shirts or rallying workers’ rights, the veteran trade unionist remains a captivating figure in Kenya’s public life.
Kenyans have showered the couple with supportive and congratulatory messages. In fact, her friend and gospel artist Anastacia Mukabwa took to her Facebook page and posted pictures of a pregnant Kilobi.
The ‘Kiatu kivue’ hit maker expressed her love and support for Kilobi with a lengthy and emotional caption. Mukabwa also shared the newborn’s first name as Samuel and referred a verse from the Bible writing, “God has heard.” She rejoiced in the amazing news and attributed her thanks to God for doing it for her friend.
“Finally, God of wonders has done it for my sister, Mr and Mrs Mary Atwoli. Glory to our God, walio kudharau watakusalimia kwa heshima mama Samuel. Guys help me celebrate and congratulate her for this great miracle after waiting for seven years without a child in marriage. Thanks siz for being there for me when I was sick. Big congratulations and glory to God. Pua imenona sanaaa bhane,” the gospel musician wrote.
She followed her sweet words with never-seen-before photos of Kilobi, sparking a new wave of reactions from Kenyans. Mukabwa appreciated the news anchor for supporting her during her battle with sickness and for being a good friend.
Kenyans shared the same energy as they showered the couple with love on social media. Most of them attributed the birth of the newborn as a miracle and expressed their joy on the comment section.
A user on Facebook wrote, “God of wonders...Yaweeeeeeeh...we glorify your name, Adonai you reign forever. God has done it for them, don’t give up friends.”
Another added: “This is a blessing from the Almighty God. Seven is the number of God, if you know you know. Congrats Mary Kilobi and Francis Atwoli.”
Fashion house
The outspoken Atwoli is also a husband to Jenifer Khainza Atwoli. She has not been in the limelight and chooses to remain that way.
His ex-wife Roselinda Simiyu was his first and is popular for campaigning to become a parliamentarian for Webuye West constituency. Nonetheless, she distanced herself from the long serving unionist triggering debate during the 2022 campaigns.
Apart from the brilliant-minded Lukoye, he has other two renowned daughters namely; Rachael Nasumbu Atwoli and Malaika Atwoli. Rachel graduated from South Africa’s Premier Aviation School in 2018 after three years of schooling.
Vanessa Nekesa Atwoli is also successful like most of her siblings. Adopted by her uncle, elder Atwoli, she began her own fashion house dubbed V-design.
Vanessa won the Blaze Be Your Own Boss Award bagging Sh5 million for financing her dream and Sh2 million for mentorship and financial guidance.
At 24 years, she was ranked 14th in Kenya’s top 40 under 40 women. Vanessa holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Mount Kenya University.
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