Mary Kilobi, a well-known Kiswahili news anchor and reporter, has made a name for herself through her work in the media industry. She is widely recognized for her role at Kenya Television Network (KTN), where she has established herself as a leading journalist. Apart from her career, she is also known for her marriage to Francis Atwoli, the Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU).
Early Life and Education
Born on July 16, 1984, in Kavula village, Bumula Sub-County, Bungoma, Western Kenya, Mary grew up in a culturally rich environment. She hails from the Luhya community, one of the major ethnic groups in the region. Her father, Samson Weyusia Kilobi, played an integral role in her upbringing.
For her secondary education, she attended Chwele Girls High School in Bungoma. She later advanced her education at Makerere University in Uganda, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Literature and Kiswahili. Seeking further academic excellence, she obtained a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Nairobi.
Career Journey
Mary started her journalism career as an intern at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), where she quickly advanced to become a producer, editor, and anchor. She worked at UBC for four years before returning to Kenya to join KTN, where she took on the role of a news anchor and reporter.
At KTN, she hosts the popular show “KTN Leo Wikendi,” which has gained a wide audience. Apart from her work in journalism, she is also an accomplished author and motivational speaker. She has written a Kiswahili teaching book titled Jifunze Kiswahili, which is available in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Marriage and Personal Life
Mary met Francis Atwoli in 2014 when he visited Uganda Broadcasting Corporation for an interview. Despite concerns about their age difference, Atwoli remained persistent, and the two officially tied the knot in August 2018 after fulfilling traditional marriage customs.
Her husband has often spoken about her role in his personal and professional life. He has credited her with ensuring his well-being, from helping him dress appropriately to making sure he takes his medication on time. According to him, entrusting these responsibilities to Mary prevents potential exploitation by external personal assistants.
Motherhood and New Beginnings
After seven years of marriage, Mary recently embraced motherhood with the birth of her first child, a baby boy named Atwoli Junior (AJ). She described the journey to motherhood as one of patience, prayer, and hope.
Choosing to keep her pregnancy private, she took a break from social media to enjoy peace away from public scrutiny. Her decision allowed her to focus on her well-being and embrace the joys of impending motherhood without external pressure.
Despite her public persona, Mary continues to make her own mark in the media industry. Her story is one of resilience and faith, inspiring many who look up to her. Now, as she embarks on this new chapter of motherhood, she remains a symbol of determination, balancing both her personal and professional life with grace and strength.
