COTU denies claims of Atwoli’s illness, says he is on his way to Bondo
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 18, 2025The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that its Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, is unwell. The organisation clarified that Atwoli is in good health and travelling to Bondo to condole with the family of the late Raila Amolo Odinga.
Also Watch: End of an era: Raila Odinga is dead.
COTU’s Director of Communications, Bruno Otiato, took to X on Saturday, October 18, 2025, to refute the reports, calling them false and very unfortunate. He said the rumours were misleading and aimed at creating unnecessary panic.
“False and very unfortunate. COTU (K) SG @AtwoliDza is currently on his way to Bondo to condole with his sister Ida Odinga. This is in line with established cultural practices,” Otiato wrote.
Also Watch: President William Ruto views the body of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kasarani Stadium
He added that Atwoli had a close relationship with Raila Odinga, describing him as both a brother and an in-law.
“Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga was not just a brother and a friend to SG Atwoli, but also an in-law.”
Nation gears up for burial
Atwoli’s visit to Bondo is part of the ongoing cultural and family mourning process following the death of the former Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, emotional scenes were witnessed in Kisumu on Saturday morning as thousands of mourners gathered at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo for the public viewing of Raila’s body.
Security was tight at the venue, with KDF and GSU officers maintaining order as the viewing continued throughout the morning. Raila’s body had earlier been flown from Nairobi to Kisumu aboard a military aircraft ahead of its final journey to his ancestral home in Bondo.
Mama Ida Odinga also arrived at Opoda Farm in the afternoon, her first visit since her husband’s death. She was accompanied by her daughter, Rosemary Odinga, and received under heavy security as mourners gathered near the family compound. Raila’s burial is set for Sunday.