Sharie Fetzer
Francis Atwoli hosted a tribute party for Raila Odinga, celebrating his political contributions and their decades-long friendship The veteran trade unionist recalled how the former prime minister personally supported him during a health crisis, accompanying him to the hospital and staying by his side for three weeks Atwoli’s wife, Mary Kilobi, shared a video of the tribute, where the friends danced to a rhumba song in Raila’s honour Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli is in mourning following the death of his close friend Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday, October 15.
Leaders gather at Raila Odinga’s gravesite (l), while Francis Atwoli and friends. Photo: Makau Muli/ Francis Atwoli.
Source: Facebook The trade unionist hosted a party on Saturday, October 25, to honour his deceased friend.
Atwoli, together with three other friends, spent their time together at his home in Kajiado.
A video shared on Instagram by his wife, Mary Kilobi, captured the four friends dancing to Rhumba star Fally Ipupa’s tribute song to Raila, hailing the departed veteran politician for his contribution to Kenyan politics, including fighting for the weak in society.
Captioning the video, Kilobi wrote:
“Forever in our hearts Shemeji💗#RAO.” Watch the video:
Atwoli is related to Odinga through his wife, Ida.
The two shared a decades-long friendship rooted in their shared history and political struggles.
How did Atwoli mourn Raila? Atwoli reminisced that he was among the last individuals to meet with Raila in his office prior to the former prime minister’s trip to India for medical treatment in early October 2025.
While speaking in Bondo on Saturday, October 18, Atwoli expressed that Raila had personally shown concern for him during his illness, describing him as a compassionate and selfless leader.
The trade unionist noted that Raila accompanied him to the hospital and remained by his side for three weeks, despite his demanding schedule.
“Raila has always been close to me. No one is aware that at one point, when I was unable to report for duty due to illness, he took it upon himself to accompany me to the hospital for a doctor’s appointment. He remained with me for two weeks, regardless of his busy schedule, in fact, three weeks. Such dedication is rare,” he stated. Atwoli commended the departed politician as a man of peace who consistently pursued unity, even amidst political disagreements.
“Raila was a peacemaker. He understood the importance of compromise; he valued dialogue. He envisioned a greater Kenya and recognised that Kenya transcended all of us,” he conveyed to the mourners. Why did Atwoli ask Ruto to regulate social media? Previously, Atwoli stated that internet platforms are emerging as instruments for inciting lawlessness in the nation, disguised as activism for improved governance.
COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli. Photo: Francis Atwoli
Source: Facebook He argued that this situation places Kenya in a problem, explaining that if the government does not intervene, the nation could be destroyed by an ‘unpatriotic’ populace that spreads hatred through these platforms.
The trade union leader cited examples from other established democracies where social media had turned into a toxic issue but was addressed promptly, insisting that Kenya should not be an exception.
He urged President William Ruto to take decisive action.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Source: Tuko.co.ke | Read the Full Story…
