Grief has struck the Atwoli family once again. Renowned Kenyan psychiatrist Prof Lukoye Atwoli announced the death of his wife, Maureen Nyadida-Lukoye, in a devastatingly brief Facebook post shared on Tuesday, 8 September.
“I will struggle to deal with this. So long, my dear. So long,” Lukoye wrote, tagging Maureen’s name in what appeared to be a final, aching farewell.
The post drew hundreds of reactions within hours and left many Kenyans deeply shaken, given how openly the couple had shared their lives with the public.
Who Was Maureen Nyadida-Lukoye?
Maureen was the wife of 21 years to Lukoye, one of Kenya’s most prominent mental health voices. The two had built a family together and were known for their candid conversations about marriage, parenting, and personal resilience.
In a feature for Parents Magazine, the couple spoke openly about their mutual support system and the private battles they had faced together, including Maureen’s courageous fight against a cancer diagnosis.
Their milestone anniversary earlier this year was a moment of celebration and gratitude for the family. That joy has now been overtaken by tragedy.
Kenyans rally around Prof Lukoye
Prof. Lukoye is widely recognised beyond academia and clinical practice. He serves as the Dean of the Medical College at Aga Khan University,
East Africa, and is the Deputy Director of the Brain and Mind Institute. He is also the firstborn son of COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, a family name that carries enormous weight in Kenyan public life.
As the news spread, those who know him personally and followers who have followed his work rushed to offer their sympathies in the comments.
Kenyans comfort Lukoye
Here is what they had to say:
Amakove Wala wrote:
“Sending you virtual hugs. Be comforted during this difficult time. May Maureen find rest.”
Jace Mueni commented:
“OMG. Pole sana. May you find hope, grace and strength at this difficult time.”
Kipchirchir Tunoi offered a simple but sincere:
“Pole sana Daktari.”
Oyugi Dan added:
“Pole sana for the loss Prof.”
The outpouring reflects the deep regard many Kenyans hold for Prof Lukoye, a man who has spent much of his career helping others navigate their most painful emotional moments and now finds himself walking through one of his own.
