Secrets Unveiled: Atwoli Reveals Key to Enormous Wealth
During an open discussion on the JKLive program hosted by Jeff Koinange, Francis Atwoli, the Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) in Kenya, shared his perspectives on business, government contracts, and his dedication to upholding workers’ rights.
Atwoli, renowned for his lively demeanor and unwavering support for workers’ rights, emphasized that his primary concern remains the well-being of employees.
He distanced himself from business engagements and government tenders saying, “I don’t do business. I don’t ask for government tenders. I don’t have any conflicting interests with any employer.”
Atwoli highlighted how his choice to abstain from engaging in business transactions enables him to uphold a strong and unblemished bond with employees.
“I am a 100% salaried person and that has moved me close to workers,” he stated, explaining how engaging in business, especially with employers, could compromise his position and dilute his advocacy for workers’ rights.
Atwoli also provided perspectives on the allure of power and wealth, warning about the dangers they present to leaders.
“If today, I went to a company and said I want to supply this, the workers, the following day would know this man is in business and whom is he in business with? (their employer). I would be compromised,” he elaborated.
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The conversation with Jeff Koinange shed light on the broader issue of Kenyan leaders being swayed by financial gains, leading to a shift in priorities from their fundamental roles.
Atwoli’s story underscores the significance of maintaining one’s integrity, particularly in roles of leadership.
Over more than fifty years in his career, Atwoli has managed to enjoy a prosperous lifestyle and increase his wealth significantly, positioning him as one of the most affluent and influential figures in Kenya.
In a 2022 interview, he disclosed that he used Sh200 million from his resources to organize the Bukhungu I rally, which supported Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi as the key figure in Western Kenya during the initial phase of his political journey.
He possesses numerous assets, such as a farm in Nakuru, an opulent residence in Kajiado, a grand mansion in Khwisero, high-end vehicles, and lavish attire and accessories for everyday use.
Francis Atwoli’s awards & recognition
Atwoli has also been recognized and feted locally and internationally by governments and trade union centers.
He has been awarded:
- The Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) by the Government of Kenya
- The Moran of the Burning Spear, (MBS) by the Government of Kenya
- The National Order of Merit (NOM), the highest State recognition by the Algerian Government
- Several other awards were given by different National Trade Union Centres in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Canada.
Organisations Francis Atwoli has served in
- General Secretary, Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU)
- Secretary General, Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU)
- Chairman of the East African Trade Union Confederation (E.A.T.U.C) based in Arusha, Tanzania (2002-2017)
- President of the Trade Union Federation of Eastern Africa (TUFEA) based in Khartoum, Sudan
- President of the Pan African Labour movement, the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) based in Accra, Ghana
- Vice President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), based in Brussels, Belgium.
- President, Global Industrial Relations Oversight Authority based in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Elected Titular Member of the International Labour Organisation, (ILO) governing board based in Geneva, Switzerland
- Coordinator, Africa and Asia Labour Issues based in Geneva, Switzerland
- Board Member of the Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Turin, Italy
- Appointed Member, National Labour Board, Kenya
- Elected Director, National Bank of Kenya, Kenya
- Trustee, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Kenya
- Board Member, Social Health Authority, Kenya
Secrets Unveiled: Atwoli Reveals Key to Enormous Wealth
