This archive report was first published on 22 June 2021.
On June 22, 2021, a group of youth from Nairobi's informal settlements came to the defense of the road sign named after Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
The group, consisting of people from Mukuru kwa Yaba, Korogocho, Dandora, Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Kariobangi, and Ruaraka, met up and created a new road sign to replace the initial one that was vandalized.
Addressing the press, the group warned the public against attempting to remove the road sign, stating that they would sleep next to it to protect it.
"We are here to show Atwoli love because he is one of us from the ghetto who has succeeded and we look at him as a role model," said the group's spokesperson.
The group's spokesperson also highlighted their efforts in raising money for the road sign, stating, "We saw criminals denying our leader a peace of mind by destroying his road signage which is why we contributed money and built him another signage."
The Nairobi County Government had honored Atwoli with a road named after him in the upmarket of Kileleshwa, which was unveiled on May 27, 2021, in the presence of Nairobi Deputy Governor Ann Kananu.
Since its installation, the road sign has been vandalized twice, with the sign being taken down and lit on fire. Atwoli had reinstalled it in May 2021 after it was pulled down and warned that suspects would face dire consequences once arrested.
He also installed a CCTV camera in the area for security purposes, stating, "If you think you came from the moon go try to remove it again."
Atwoli extended his gratitude, stating that the signage was an act of honour bestowed to him, taking into account his many years of service.
