Prof. Lukoye Atwoli, son of COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, is grieving the loss of his wife Maureen Nyadida-Lukoye, who succumbed to cancer after a long and courageous battle with the disease.
Breaking the news on Tuesday, September 8, a devastated Lukoye penned an emotional tribute to his late wife, admitting the pain of losing her. “I will struggle to deal with this. So long, my dear. So long,” he wrote.
The couple’s love story spanned nearly two decades, having celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary back in April 2022. Their journey wasn’t without hardship. The pair had been open with the public about Maureen’s cancer diagnosis and the difficult road that followed. In past interviews, Maureen spoke candidly about leaning on her husband’s unwavering support throughout her illness, saying she never felt like she was facing it alone.
Beyond her role as a wife, Maureen was also an active member of the Lukoye Atwoli Foundation, contributing to its work and legacy. Maureen’s passing adds to a somber week for the country’s leadership circles. DCI Deputy Director John Onyango is also mourning the death of his wife. Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, together with senior officers from the Kenya Police Service and DCI, paid Onyango a visit on Monday, September 7, to offer condolences and support during this difficult time.
This string of tragic losses follows the death of former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto’s sister, Ann Chebochok, who died in a road accident along Nairobi’s Southern Bypass in July. Kericho Deputy Governor Fredrick Kirui led tributes at the time, calling the loss devastating for the family and wishing the injured daughter a full recovery.
As condolences continue to pour in from across the country, Kenyans are once again reminded of how swiftly grief can touch even the most prominent families.