Kenyans On Twitter Displeased With Francis Atwoli Road Naming

On Saturday, 29th May, it was reported that the Nairobi City County Government had renamed Dik Dik Road. The road is located in Dik Dik Gardens estate in Kileleshwa. 

It had reportedly been renamed Francis Atwoli Road, after the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General.

Kenyans Displeased

The move did not sit well with a number of Kenyans who bashed the County Authorities for the move. It also caught the attention of activist Boniface Mwangi, who condemned the renaming of the road.

One would think that this would end online. But on the morning of Sunday, 30th May, it was reported that someone had actually pulled down the sign on the night before. 

Yenyewe kwa ground vitu sio always different, lol.

Kenyans are RISING UP! We shall protect our roads and streets from vile road signs! pic.twitter.com/Ood5qOzCME

— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) May 30, 2021

 

The move was met with praise from the public who were not shy of making their feelings known.

Aty Francis Atwoli road🚮 name a pork butchery after him and leave our roads alone

— Mud Fish🇰🇪 🇰🇪 (@mudfishKenya) May 30, 2021

That Francis Atwoli road sign was an eyesore and very insulting to Kenyans am glad someone stepped up and did the necessary. Whoever did that I owe him a beer 🍺

— Eduardo 🇸🇩 (@EdwinGichuru_) May 30, 2021

Celebrated lawyer Ahmednasir Abdulahi aka The Grand Mullah also chimed in.

Removing the road sign in honor of Mr. Francis Atwoli is a LEGITIMATE and LAWFUL resistance against oppression and impunity of my BELOVED JUBILEE Govt.

— Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC (@ahmednasirlaw) May 30, 2021

 

Some condemned the move and felt that there were better ways of addressing the issue.

Huu ni ujinga, although Atwoli huwa na ufala saa zingine.

Question is, why haven't they done the same with all the Moi Avenues and Kenyatta Avenues, or demolish Moi and Kenyatta Universities?

Kenyans cannot RISE UP, they operate on emotions and tribalism. Period!

— ReinAnd (@TheOnlyMbai) May 30, 2021

 

The trade union leader was also not amused.

Vandalization is impunity and primitiveness.

In a country that believes in Rule of Law there are procedures and processes to be followed when unsatisfied. I am against anarchy. However, the police will look into that.

— Francis Atwoli NOM (DZA), CBS, EBS, MBS. (@AtwoliDza) May 30, 2021

 

It seems phone calls were made during the day and the sign was reinstated. Moreover, a CCTV was installed to ensure a repeat of the same wouldn’t happen.

The Nairobi County Government has reinstalled the sign. If you think you came from the moon go try remove it again. Also, a CCTV has been installed for the security of the area.
(Picture Courtesy). pic.twitter.com/kRgeiwtvm5

— Francis Atwoli NOM (DZA), CBS, EBS, MBS. (@AtwoliDza) May 30, 2021

 

Kenyans were even more displeased with the move.

Why are you being give a road named after you sir?
What major thing have you done in this country? I might be too young to know.

— Daughter of Muthoni (@Muthoni_____) May 30, 2021

You're imposing yourself! You don't even deserve a cattle dip named after you . Go put a tag on your cattle

— Farming, Cars and Clean Energy (@Kiptoofrank254) May 30, 2021

Is this a Joke to you? pic.twitter.com/2XKchVZU1U

— AbenteuerLust 🍂 (@Iamcayvooh) May 30, 2021

Why are you forcing yourself on people?😂😂

— Muli🔰 (@mulidennis1) May 30, 2021

 

This, of course, caught the attention of Boniface Mwangi. The activist, who is currently out of the country, vowed to personally take action on the same once he is back.

I came from the womb of a brave woman. If that sign is still up when l come back home, l shall personally remove it. @AtwoliDza you have violated chapter 6 of the constitution on integrity. Installing a camera to guard a road sign is a waste of our taxes to please your fat ego. https://t.co/YiDl05jsX1

— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) May 30, 2021

 

He got the backing of The Grand Mullah who promised to sort out any legal issues that would arise.

Thank you @ahmednasirlaw. We shall bring that sign down! Impunity must fall. https://t.co/2HFwXpmHpL

— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) May 30, 2021

 

It was a display of unity never seen before. Boniface Mwangi has since called on the residents of Dik Dik Gardens to remove the sign.

Dear people of Dik Dik Gardens, we are asking you to remove the disgrace of Atwoli road sign in your neighbourhood. If the sign remains, your children will be infected with extreme Atwolisis. We know none of you want their child to become like Atwoli. Yours truly, Active Citizens https://t.co/gjFCZpUhhY

— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) May 30, 2021

 

Do you believe Kenyans are finally rising up against that which they feel isn’t right? Will this display of unity last, or is it just another rant that will pass? 

Let us know in the comments and as always, keep it C.O.K.