Prof. Lukoye Atwoli is mourning the death of his wife, Maureen Nyadida-Lukoye, after more than two decades of marriage. Lukoye, a prominent psychiatrist and firstborn son of Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, confirmed Maureen’s death in an emotional social media message on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

“I will struggle to deal with this. So long, my dear. So long,” Lukoye wrote in a brief tribute to his wife.

A family member confirmed Maureen’s death to The Star, saying she had been battling cancer for about four years. Maureen had previously spoken publicly about her experience with cancer and the support she received from her husband during the illness. Lukoye and Maureen maintained a largely private family life despite Lukoye’s public profile and his connection to the veteran trade unionist. The couple had been married for 21 years and raised a family together. They occasionally shared photographs and reflections from their family life, including celebrations and wedding anniversaries. Their relationship also featured in a 2021 interview in which they spoke about marriage, family and the challenges they faced during Maureen’s cancer journey. Maureen described Lukoye as an important source of support during her illness, while the couple discussed the effect of the diagnosis on their family and children.

Away from her role as Lukoye’s wife, Maureen had built a professional career in the public sector. She worked at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), where she spent more than a decade, initially working in compliance before moving into strategy and organisational change. She also pursued further studies, including an MBA in Strategic Management and training in counselling psychology, according to profiles published following her death. Maureen was also associated with the Lukoye Atwoli Foundation, where she was listed as a member. Her previous public discussions about her experience with cancer also brought attention to issues surrounding illness, family support and mental health.

Lukoye has established a career in psychiatry, medical education and research. He is a Professor of Psychiatry and Dean of the Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa, a position he has held since 2020. He is also involved in mental health research and leadership through the Aga Khan University Brain and Mind Institute. His career has included academic and clinical positions at Moi University and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, as well as leadership roles in Kenya’s mental health sector. He is also the firstborn son of Francis Atwoli, who has served as COTU Secretary-General for decades.

News of Maureen’s death has prompted messages of condolence from friends, colleagues and members of the medical community. Kenya Medical Association President Dr Simon Kigondu was among those who visited Lukoye at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi on Tuesday to offer his condolences. For the Atwoli family, the loss marks the end of a marriage that lasted more than two decades and followed years in which Maureen faced cancer while maintaining her professional and family life. Lukoye’s brief tribute has captured the immediate grief following her death, while details of funeral arrangements were not yet publicly available in the reports reviewed.