Tag: Mary Kilobi news

Atwoli’s Wife Mary Kilobi Shortlisted For Top State Job In Devolution Committee

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

Prominent Swahili news anchor and author Mary Kilobi, the wife of Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, is in the running for a senior state appointment.

Kilobi is among the 65 candidates successfully shortlisted by a recruitment panel to interview for a membership position within the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC).

According to a public notice released on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the selection panel has scheduled the competitive interviews to run from June 8 to June 18, 2026. Kilobi and her fellow applicants successfully cleared the preliminary vetting requirements, vying for one of the seven vacant member positions within the state agency.

What is the IGRTC?

The IGRTC is a vital public service body established under the Intergovernmental Relations Act of 2012. Operating at the national level, the committee plays a critical role in Kenya’s devolution framework.

Its primary responsibilities include:

  • Fostering consultation, cooperation, and coordination between the national government and the 47 county governments.

  • Resolving intergovernmental disputes.

  • Harmonizing public policies and operations to ensure smooth governance across the devolved units.

From the Newsroom to Public Service

Kilobi boasts an extensive career in broadcast journalism, most notably serving as a long-time Swahili news anchor for KTN, a television station owned by the Standard Group.

Her professional and academic portfolio includes, a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Kiswahili from Makerere University in Uganda, a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Nairobi, early career experience as a news anchor at the state-owned Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).

It was during her tenure in Uganda that she reportedly met COTU boss Francis Atwoli. The couple later formalized their union in August 2018 through a traditional Luhya wedding ceremony.

Should her upcoming interview prove successful, the veteran journalist will pivot from the newsroom into state bureaucracy, taking on a hands-on role in managing the complex dynamics of Kenya’s devolved system of government.

Francis Atwoli commends Mary Kilobi and asserts that having multiple wives does not signify greed

Posted on by Ozymandias

During a Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) meeting in Western Kenya on May 3, 2024, Francis Atwoli, the 74-year-old secretary general, entertained the audience with amusing anecdotes about marrying his third wife, TV news anchor Mary Kilobi.

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Atwoli commended his wife and shared anecdotes about her helpfulness, such as ensuring he didn’t miss flights by confirming boarding times and providing him with insights on important events, like President William Ruto’s press conferences.

He recounted an instance where Mary assisted him in preparing for an international meeting in Algeria, where they attended an event hosted by Kofi Annan. Mary quickly found and provided him with background information about Annan, impressing those around him.

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Atwoli clarified that his decision to marry Mary wasn’t driven by greed but rather by her beauty, youthfulness, and the fact that her name reminded him of his mother, who was also named Mary. He emphasized that having someone to assist him wasn’t about greed but practicality.

Furthermore, Atwoli acknowledged Mary’s role in ensuring he took his medication correctly, highlighting an incident where he mixed up his medication while traveling without her, resulting in drowsiness and fainting. Both his doctor and Mary scolded him for the oversight.

Atwoli also admitted to spending more public time with Mary, who was present during his speech at the meeting.

Mary Kilobi travels to Switzerland with her husband, Francis Atwoli.

Posted on by Ozymandias

Television personality Mary Kilobi recently shared photos of herself and her husband Francis Atwoli during their time in Geneva, Switzerland.

Accompanying the pictures was a heartfelt caption where the KTN journalist invoked God’s protection over Atwoli, quoting a passage from the book of Isaiah.

“Isaiah 54:15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake! 17: No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute EVERY tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD,” she wrote alongside the photos.

Atwoli had previously opened up about their relationship and the reason behind their marriage despite the age gap. During a public forum, Atwoli revealed that Mary plays a crucial role in keeping his life organized.

“I am no longer young even though my wife Mary Kilobi looks young. Mary’s work is ensuring I have worn my socks well, my shirts are good, and that I have taken my medicine. She keeps that diary,” he shared.

Kilobi, on her part, expressed genuine love for Atwoli and emphasized the importance of going with the flow in their marriage. During an interview with Ankaliray, she highlighted that there is no specific formula for a happy marriage and advised couples to embrace flexibility and adaptability.

In response to Kilobi’s post, several fans sent prayers and well wishes, expressing their support for the couple.

Photos of Francis Atwoli’s mega mansion in Kajiado where he lives with his 3rd wife KTN anchor Mary Kilobi

Posted on by Martin Oduor

69-year-old Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli married 34-year-old Mary Kilobi two years ago. There were claims that the Cotu boss snatched someone’s wife but it has been confirmed that wasn’t the case.

Also read: Atwoli sets the record straight about claims of snatching KTN anchor who is a married woman

Mary Kilobi told the Nairobian that Atwoli is such a lovey-dovey who moved mountains to win her. The KTN Swahili anchor says she first rejected the Cotu boss because of their age difference but later on she realized age was not a factor in love.

“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,” said Kilobi.

Moved in together as man and wife

Mary Kilobi and Atwoli moved in together in 2016 after he finally won her heart and fulfilled Luhya traditions formalizing their union. The couple live at their IIbisil home in Kajiado county.

“He told me he was lonely and needed a wife to live with in Kajiado. I challenged him to visit my parents and make his intentions known if he was serious. He readily responded by sending a delegation to the village about two months ago,” said Kilobi.

Photos of Atwoli’s  IIbisil home in Kajiado were first publicized in August 2016 when the Cotu boss hosted all delegates attending the 10th EATUC Summit at his home.

Take a look at the photos below: