Update Tuesday, June 15, 2021: At 12:00 PM, the Francis Atwoli road sign was restored after being vandalised.
The Francis Atwoli road sign located at Kileleshwa estate was set on fire in the wee hours of Tuesday, June 15, 2021.
In a series of photos shared on social media, the sign was reported to have been vandalised after the road was renamed in honour of COTU Secretary-General.
Tyres and newspapers were used to light the signage which elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans and various professionals in the business, politics and law sectors after it was erected.
Atwoli issued a statement expressing his sentiments on the incident. "Bringing down an honorary road sign under my name doesn't hurt me. On the flip side, it will haunt those who are behind it for life,".
He extended further stating the signage was an act of honour bestowed to him taking into account his many years of service.
This is the second time the road sign has been damaged. In May 2021, Atwoli reinstalled it after it was pulled down and warned that suspects would face dire consequences once arrested.
He also cautioned that he installed a CCTV camera in the area for security purposes.
"If you think you came from the moon go try to remove it again," Atwoli dared his critics.
The road sign to the renamed road, formerly known as DikDik Road, was unveiled on Thursday, May 27, in the presence of Nairobi Deputy Governor Ann Kananu.
Kananu stated that the county recognised Atwoli's selfless contribution and agitation for human and workers rights in the last 54 years.
"I am really grateful for this kind gesture. No one has honoured me in this way. Thank you, madam Governor," the labour leader appreciated.
The road sign was also burnt on a day when Atwoli was celebrating his record fourth re-election as a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) governing body in Geneva, Switzerland.
ILO acknowledged Atwoli's career saying that his re-election was a strong attestation of the confidence that trade union leaders globally have in him.
The KANU affiliated leader will serve on a four-year period, from 2021-2024.
