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The family of Football Kenya Federation Vice President McDonald Mariga and former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama came together on Monday, July 2, 2025, to pay tribute to their beloved mother, Mildred Ayiemba Ostosi Wanyama, during a heartfelt memorial service held at the Church of God Mariakani in Nairobi.
Mildred, who passed away on 14 June, was celebrated not just as the matriarch of a family of sporting stars but also as a woman whose humility, love and prayers formed the backbone of her children’s remarkable careers.
Mama Mildred, as she was fondly known, was married to former AFC Leopards legend Noah Wanyama. Together, they raised a family that has become a sporting dynasty in Kenya and beyond.
In addition to Victor and Mariga, her sons Thomas and Sylvester also pursued careers in professional football. Her daughter, Mercy, is a basketball standout who has represented Kenya in international competitions with distinction.
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Mildred’s dedication to nurturing her children’s talents from an early age made her an integral part of their success. During the service, Mariga and Victor both spoke about the pivotal role she played in their lives and careers.
READ: The remarkable life of Mariga & Victor Wanyama’s mother, tributes and legacy
Our prayer warrior
In his tribute, an emotional Mariga described their mother as a constant source of spiritual strength.
“Mum loved us deeply. She was there from the very beginning of our football careers, always praying for us, always supporting us. She is one of the reasons we got to where we are today,” he said tearfully.
Victor echoed his brother’s sentiments, emphasising how their mother’s prayers and encouragement kept them going during challenging times in their careers.
Her nurturing presence was deeply felt, not only in their personal lives but in their professional journeys as well.
A mother-in-law who became a second mum
Among those mourning Mildred’s passing were her daughters-in-law, actress and media personality Sarah Hassan Teshna, Victor’s wife, and Sianto Tutu, Mariga’s wife.
Teshna gave a deeply moving tribute that painted a picture of a woman who embraced her fully and treated her like her own daughter.
“Mama alikuwa mama yangu. Nimemjua kwa karibu miaka kumi, na ni pigo kubwa sana kwetu sisi kama familia kumpoteza,” she said.
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Teshna recalled the nervous excitement she felt when she first learned she would meet Mildred.
“I remember I was very scared just like any other girl, but I was also curious to meet this wonderful lady ambaye alikuwa ameraise such a strong, humble man with such humility and dignity,” she said.
What followed was a bond built on love and mutual respect. “She took me in as her daughter. She loved me,” Teshna said, reminiscing on the small but meaningful ways Mildred made her feel part of the family.
One of Teshna’s most memorable moments was when she was heavily pregnant with her first child and Mildred offered to handle all the cooking.
“Nakumbuka pia when we first our house I remember she called me and told me, ‘mum’, she used to call me mum, akasema ‘jikoni niachie mimi’,” she recounted.
Teshna spoke warmly of Mildred’s generosity and love for hosting. “If you knew mathe, you would know she was a very good host. Hakuna vile ungeenda kwake na ukose kukula,” she added.
According to her, Christmas celebrations were never complete without Mildred bringing the family together. “She always wanted us to share. Alikuwa anatualika kwake kila Christmas tusherekee sisi wote,” she said.
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Beyond family gatherings, Mildred was always available when the couple faced challenges. “Anytime me and Victor had misukosuko, we always called her and she would keep us in her prayers,” she added, pausing to reflect on the void left behind. “So like everyone has said, nani atatuombea?”
While Sarah Teshna offered an extensive tribute, Mariga’s wife, Sianto Tutu, simply introduced herself before handing over the microphone, overcome