Inside COTU SG Francis Atwoli’s Marital Life: Meet His Wives in Order of Seniority and the Drama Behind Each Union

From a Private First Wife to a News Anchor: How Atwoli’s Marriages Shaped His Personal Life

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU)-Kenya is synonymous with its outspoken Secretary General, Francis Atwoli. Known for making headlines almost weekly, the bullish trade unionist has had a personal life that attracts as much attention as his professional one. Recently, rumors circulated that Atwoli had quietly married a fourth wife in Kilifi—a claim later denied by the veteran unionist. But who are his three known wives, and what’s the story behind each union?

Jenifer Khainza Atwoli – The First Wife

Jenifer Khainza Atwoli is a private woman who largely stays out of the media limelight. Atwoli has consistently praised her, saying she “respects our marriage,” unlike his second wife, whose public disputes have occasionally made headlines. Jenifer remains largely behind the scenes, maintaining a low-profile life while supporting her husband from afar.

Roselinda Simiyu – The Tumultuous Second Wife

Perhaps the most dramatic chapter in Atwoli’s personal life was his marriage to Roselinda Simiyu. They wed in 1996, when Atwoli was 47 and Roselinda, a mother of three, was 30. Atwoli admitted to her that he was divorced, a claim later disputed in public discussions. Together, they had two children, and for a long time, they seemed to share a strong bond.

The marriage, however, hit turbulence when Roselinda pursued elective politics, against Atwoli’s wishes. “The reason I asked her not to pursue politics was that I needed somebody to take care of me. Since she joined politics, I married Kilobi so that she attends to me,” Atwoli told Jeff Koinange on Citizen TV’s JKL Show.

Roselinda later spoke to a local radio station, reflecting on their shared history:

“I want him to remember how I supported him during those times when he had nothing. When he wanted to be the COTU boss, I used to cook for the delegates without anyone to help me, but he has forgotten all that. I miss him because we lived together for 22 years… we had a good life and he was a good husband and dad.”

Despite the separation, she made it clear that she had no objection to Atwoli marrying another woman, though she lamented that he had changed over the years.

Mary Kilobi – The Third Wife

Mary Kilobi, a prominent Kenyan Swahili news anchor, became Atwoli’s third wife in 2018. Their marriage attracted attention due to the significant age difference—Atwoli is 35 years her senior—but the couple appears happy together. They reside in Kajiado, where the SG spends quality time with Mary, away from the public eye.

Atwoli has explained that his second wife’s political ambitions prompted the union with Mary:

“I asked my second wife not to involve herself with politics, but she chose that path. The reason I was asking her not to pursue politics was that I needed somebody to take care of me, and since she joined politics, I married Mary so that she attends to me.”

Francis Atwoli’s marital life has been as eventful as his career in trade unions. From a discreet first wife to a politically ambitious second spouse, and finally to a news anchor who shares his personal life in Kajiado, each chapter reflects a complex blend of personal choices and public scrutiny.