Francis Atwoli’s Son Announces Wife’s Death in Emotional Post

Lukoye Atwoli, son of Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, has announced the death of his wife, Maureen Nyadida-Lukoye.

The professor shared the heart-breaking news in an emotional tribute, mourning Maureen after 21 years of marriage and reflecting on the difficulty of coming to terms with her death.

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

His announcement has since drawn messages of condolence from friends, colleagues and members of the public, who expressed sympathy to him and the wider Atwoli family.

Academic Journey of Lukoye Atwoli

Lukoye Atwoli serves as a Professor of Psychiatry and Dean of the Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa.

He also serves as Deputy Director of the university’s Brain & Mind Institute, where he contributes to mental health research.

Before taking up his current role, the psychiatrist served as Dean of Moi University School of Medicine. Throughout his career, he has focused on psychiatry, medical education, research and mental health advocacy.

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Academically, Lukoye holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from Moi University, a Master of Medicine in Psychiatry from the University of Nairobi and a PhD in Psychiatry and Mental Health from the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

Beyond the classroom, he has contributed to mental health research in Kenya and internationally.

His work covers mental disorders, mental health services and the wider burden of mental illness.

Recognition has also followed his contribution to medicine and research. In 2022, the Kenyan government awarded him the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS).

A photo of Lukoye Atwoli and his late wife Maureen Nyadida-Lukoye who passed on September 8, 2026, after battling cancer. PHOTO/ Lukoye Atwoli.

Lukoye and Maureen’s 21-Year Marriage

Together, Lukoye and Maureen built a family over more than two decades as in April 2022, the couple celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary with their children and relatives.

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During the celebration, Lukoye shared photographs from the family gathering and reflected on the milestone, describing it as 17 years of marriage.

Professionally, Maureen worked in strategy and organizational change and was identified in professional records as a Strategy and Change Officer at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Over the years, the couple occasionally shared family moments publicly, particularly during anniversaries and other important milestones.

Reports surrounding Maureen’s death indicate that she had battled cancer before her passing. Her death has now left Lukoye, their family and those close to them mourning her loss.

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