Kenya is in mourning following the death of Mildred Wanyama, the mother of renowned football stars Victor Wanyama and McDonald Mariga.
Her passing was confirmed by Mariga in a heartfelt statement released on Saturday morning.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, who left us peacefully today morning,” Mariga stated.
He added that burial arrangements are currently underway and that more details will be shared in due course.
“We are currently making arrangements and will share more details soon! Thank you,” he said.
Mildred Wanyama was more than just the mother of two of Kenya’s most accomplished footballers she was a sporting icon in her own right.
A former netball player and prominent sports administrator, she also served as President of the Kenya Netball Federation from 2014 to 2018, championing the growth and development of women’s sports in the country.
Mildred was married to Noah Wanyama, a former AFC Leopards midfielder and fellow sports enthusiast.
The couple had five children, all of whom followed in their parents’ athletic footsteps.
These include footballers McDonald Mariga, Victor Wanyama, Thomas Wanyama, and Sylvester Wanyama, as well as Mercy Wanyama, a professional basketball player currently based in Spain.
Her impact on her children’s lives was profound.
She was instrumental in shaping their early careers, particularly Mariga’s, whose path she redirected when he considered joining the Kenya Defence Forces after Form Three.
Mildred insisted he complete his education a decision that eventually led to Mariga’s historic signing with Italian football giants Inter Milan.
With Victor, she played a central role in nurturing the talent that would later make him the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League.
Her support remained unwavering as Victor rose to captain the Harambee Stars, leading the national team to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Kenya’s first appearance at the tournament in over a decade.
Beyond her family, Mildred Wanyama was a pillar of strength in her community. She was known for her humility, grace, and steadfast dedication to sports, family, and faith.
Her presence at her children’s matches and milestones was a familiar sight, her pride in their achievements evident and infectious.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the sports fraternity and the broader public, honoring her legacy not just as a mother of champions, but as a champion herself.
Mildred Wanyama’s death marks the end of an era for a family that has defined Kenyan sports for decades.
Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the athletes she raised, and the countless women she inspired through her leadership and passion.
Funeral arrangements are ongoing, and the family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
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