Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), has become a new parent at the age of 75 after welcoming a child with his wife, journalist Mary Kilobi. The couple’s journey to parenthood has been a private one, as Kilobi, who is 40 years old, chose to keep her pregnancy out of the public eye.
In an exclusive interview, Kilobi explained her decision to shield her pregnancy from public scrutiny, stating that it was a personal journey that she wanted to protect from external noise and speculation.
She also clarified that her sabbatical from work in June 2024 was not linked to her pregnancy, and it was more about enjoying the peace that came with stepping away from the public eye. Kilobi confirmed that she is now on maternity leave but plans to return to her work as a news anchor and reporter at KTN soon.
Kilobi revealed that she had longed for a child throughout her life and expressed immense joy and gratitude for the blessing of motherhood. The couple named their baby boy Atwoli Junior, a gesture honoring the father.
The couple’s relationship dates back to 2005 when they first met while Kilobi was working at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). Atwoli, who had been invited for an interview, insisted on meeting Kilobi after hearing about a Kenyan journalist working there. Their relationship blossomed over the years, and they married in 2018 after Atwoli sent a delegation to Kilobi’s parents in Bumula Sub-County, following Luhya traditional marriage customs.
Mary Kilobi, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Kiswahili from Makerere University, is also a published author of a Kiswahili teaching book, Jifunze Kiswahili, which is sold in Uganda and Congo. In addition to her career in journalism, she is a motivational speaker.
The birth of their child is a significant chapter in the lives of both Atwoli and Kilobi, marking a moment of personal joy amid their public careers.
By Nairobi