Prof Lukoye Atwoli’s Wife Maureen Nyadida-Lukoye Dies After Long Cancer Battle

The family of renowned psychiatrist Prof. Lukoye Atwoli is mourning the death of his wife, Maureen Nyadida-Lukoye, following her battle with cancer.

Lukoye, the son of Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, announced the heartbreaking news on Tuesday, September 8, leaving friends, colleagues and members of the public sending messages of condolence to the family.

A Heartbreaking Farewell

In a brief but emotional tribute, Lukoye acknowledged the difficulty of coming to terms with the loss of his wife.

“I will struggle to deal with this. So long, my dear. So long,” he wrote.

His words captured the pain of losing a partner with whom he had shared more than two decades of marriage and family life.

Maureen’s Battle With Cancer

Maureen had reportedly battled cancer for several years before her death. The couple had previously spoken about the challenges surrounding her illness, with Maureen acknowledging the support she received from her husband throughout the difficult period.

Her cancer journey was not something she faced alone, as the family rallied around her during her treatment and recovery.

Despite the challenges, Maureen continued with her professional and family responsibilities while also being involved in the Lukoye Atwoli Foundation, where she was listed as a member.

A Marriage That Spanned More Than Two Decades

Maureen and Lukoye built their family over more than two decades. The couple publicly marked their 17th wedding anniversary in April 2022, celebrating the milestone alongside their children and relatives.

Over the years, Lukoye occasionally shared family moments on social media, giving glimpses into their life together away from his demanding career in medicine.

The couple was also parents, with their family remaining an important part of their lives. Maureen’s death marks not only the loss of a wife but also the loss of a mother and a close family member.

Remembering Maureen Beyond the Atwoli Name

Although Maureen became publicly known through her marriage to Lukoye and her connection to the Atwoli family, she had established a professional career of her own.

She worked in strategy and organisational change and was identified as a Strategy and Change Officer at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) . Her professional background placed her in the public-sector space, where she worked on organisational and strategic matters.

She was also associated with the Lukoye Atwoli Foundation, further reflecting her involvement in initiatives connected to her husband’s work and interests.

Prof Lukoye Atwoli: A Prominent Figure in Psychiatry

Lukoye is himself a prominent figure in Kenya’s medical and academic circles. He is a professor of psychiatry and serves as Dean of the Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa. He has also served as Deputy Director of the university’s Brain & Mind Institute and previously held the position of Dean of Moi University School of Medicine.

His career has focused heavily on psychiatry, mental-health research and medical education. Yet following the death of his wife, his public achievements have taken a back seat as he deals with a deeply personal loss.

A Simple Farewell That Resonated

His simple farewell to Maureen has resonated with those who have followed the couple’s journey, particularly because of its rawness and brevity.

“So long, my dear. So long.”

As condolences continue to reach the family, Maureen is being remembered not only as the wife of a prominent Kenyan psychiatrist, but as a professional, mother, wife, and woman who spent years fighting a difficult illness while surrounded by those closest to her.

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