Francis Atwoli, the secretary general of the Central Organization of Trade Unions, is a guy who needs no introduction.
For decades, Atwoli has cultivated a reputation as a fiery unionist and bold political pundit who doesn’t hold back.
“Ala!” and “shenzi sana,” two of his viral hallmark phrases, have earned him a household figure in Kenya.
Atwoli appreciates the finer things in life.
His flamboyant lifestyle is defined by a personalized dress code that is complemented by big, pricey jewelry. No one ostensibly beats Atwoli’s fondness for Congolese Rhumba musically. He has spent a lot of money merely to get a first-hand experience with this form of music.
His opulent Ildamat residence in Kajiado and Kilifi mansion are testaments to his wealth. The Nakuru-based unionist also owns a large farm.
All of this is the result of Atwoli’s hard labor.
On Sunday, the active unionist joined fellow workers at St Stephen ACK on Jogoo Road for a workers’ thanksgiving prayer day.
Every year, on the eve of Labor Day, the day is commemorated.
The occasion provided Atwoli with the ideal opportunity to reflect on his life.
Here’s a sample from his testimony, which covers everything from his political stance to his views on corruption and success to how his religious background influenced his achievement:
I have time and again said, you know what I stand for and what I love.
As an elder in this country you know my position, kindly hear me.
Remember me. Think of what I say seriously and gauge yourself and ask in whose hands are we safe? Or in whose hands will we remain safe?
The choices we make have consequences.
As a church, we should continue to pray for the corrupt and thieves so that they can also change.
We must instill the belief that if you work hard you can still become a rich person.
You can grow rich with your salary.
I have been working from June 2, 1967, to date, and what I have I can account for.
I have been waking up early in the morning at 5 am just to be in the office to work because I believe in service delivery.
If you have been given a job, do it well. There is no small or big job.
You can still become a rich person without involving yourself in corrupt tendering and procurement where people make us lose billions of taxpayers’ money.
If we will not be able to manage to stop corruption in this country, then the country will go through a rebirth, that is how God works.
That is what will happen if we don’t listen to these church leaders who preach against stealing and corruption.
Rebirth is more painful than stopping corruption and if you want to know how painful it is then see what is happening in Eastern Europe, Ukraine or get somebody who was in Kigali, Rwanda, in 1994.
There are no shortcuts to riches.
Being prayerful is an ingredient of sustaining and maintaining a peaceful society, a society of honest people.
When I was young serving as an altar boy, I asked God for one thing; poverty to get out of my way.
I used to pray for that so that my family and people don’t suffer. I was endeared to my rosary and God answered me.
God has blessed me.
I might sustain myself self until I go to the grave because I asked God for that.
You just pray!
Live in prayers and you will have everything handed to you.
