Mary Kilobi Opens Up About Marriage to Francis Atwoli

Mary Kilobi, celebrated TV journalist, hasn't held back in discussing her marriage to the uber-prominent COTU Secretary General, Francis Atwoli. While Francis Atwoli is known for his forthright public presence, Kilobi reveals another side to him, one that unfolds behind closed doors—one marked by warmth and respect.

Rewind to the year 2005. It was in Kampala at the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation that Kilobi and Atwoli first crossed paths. Atwoli was there not just to answer routine interview questions but to unknowingly set the stage for a love story that would thrive years later. A connection sprouted, growing quietly during years marked by both enduring their separate relationship setbacks.

When their paths crossed again, the dynamic was different. Atwoli, not one for half-measures, proposed taking their relationship to the next level, seriously pondering marriage. However, this union did not come without its share of defining narratives. Public discussions were rife, particularly spotlighting their noteworthy 30-year age gap. Additionally, whispers of Atwoli's role as Kilobi's third husband peppered debates. Yet, in this era of fleeting romances and transactional relationships, Kilobi was quick to stamp out rumors of financial motivations.

The cornerstone of their relationship—mutual respect and authenticity—seemed to defy the naysayers. Proving that's not just a paragraph from a fairytale, Kilobi shared how much her life had pivoted post-marriage. Her once-frequent solitary travel plans had evolved into shared experiences and responsibilities with Atwoli. People in her life no longer simply saw a romantic partner; they saw a team, two people uniting their strengths.

And the public face of Atwoli, often seen as hard-nosed and unyielding, was gently juxtaposed with his private self. At home, he’s not just the COTU Secretary General but a husband who lights up their space with love and softness, leaving away his steely exterior that the public knows so well.

The couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary in 2020, a testament to their commitment and shared journey. In addressing the often-misguided public perceptions about her marriage, Kilobi continuously reaffirms that what sustains them is far deeper than societal suppositions—it's a genuine, enduring love that withstands the test of both time and public scrutiny.