An image of COTU SG Francis Atwoli and a younger man, which has since been flagged as FAKE
A viral image circulating on social media, purporting to show Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli gifting his nephew a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for excelling in the 2025 KCSE examinations, has been flagged as fake.
The image shows Atwoli handing over a set of car keys to a young man standing beside a ribbon-decorated car.
The accompanying text claims the student performed exceptionally well in the examinations.
A bold “FAKE” stamp has since been overlaid on the image to alert the public that the claim is fabricated.
No credible news outlet, official family communication, or public statement from Atwoli supports the claim.
Further, the vehicle and setting in the image resemble photos that have circulated previously and are unrelated to the KCSE results, suggesting the post may be recycled or digitally altered.
The false claim surfaced as the country continues to react to the release of the 2025 KCSE results, announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on January 9, 2026.
A total of 993,226 candidates sat the national examination, with 270,715 students attaining the minimum C+ grade required for university admission.
The Ministry of Education reported that 1,932 candidates scored the top grade of A (plain).
CS Ogamba noted improved performance in several subjects under the new grading structure, with Mathematics ranking among the top-performing disciplines.
Biology and Chemistry recorded comparatively lower national performance.
History, Christian Religious Education (CRE), and Geography were among the top-performing humanities subjects.
English showed slight improvement, while Kiswahili performance remained stable.
The ministry also confirmed that results for 1,180 candidates were cancelled due to examination irregularities, in line with established regulations.
National schools recorded the highest number of top performers, while counties across the country celebrated students who excelled despite various challenges.
Education stakeholders praised the consistency and stability of the examination process.
They also highlighted the government’s ongoing transition to Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET), which is expected to fully replace the 8-4-4 system by 2027.
The Atwoli image reflects a recurring trend during examination seasons, when false claims, altered images, and sensational posts circulate widely online.
Kenyans have been urged to rely on verified sources, including the Ministry of Education, KNEC, and reputable media outlets, to avoid being misled by manipulated images or unverified claims during periods of heightened public interest.