Mildred Wanyama, the mother of Kenyan football legends Victor Wanyama and McDonald Mariga, is dead.
Through a statement released on Saturday, June 14, Mariga revealed the news of their mother’s passing, adding that she passed away in the early hours of Saturday.
He further added that burial arrangements were underway and that further details would be communicated soon.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, who left us peacefully today morning,” Mariga stated.
He added: “We are currently making arrangements and will share more details soon! Thank you.”
Mildred, a sporting icon herself, was married to Noah Wanyama, a former footballer who played for AFC Leopards. Together, they had five children: four boys and one girl. Their children include Mariga, Victor, Thomas and Sylvester Wanyama, who are all footballers, and Mercy Wanyama, a professional basketballer in Spain.
Mildred was a netball player in her youth. She met her husband, Noah, in the 1970s when they were both working for Kenya Railways and involved in sports.
She was known for being very supportive of her children's careers and expressed immense pride in their achievements.
Famously, she intervened when Mariga, her eldest son, considered joining the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) after Form Three, insisting he complete his secondary education. This decision was significant, as it later paved the way for his future success on the European football stage with Italian giants Inter Milan.
With Victor, she has been highlighted as crucial to nurturing the talents of a child who would later become the first Kenyan to play in the prestigious English Premier League (EPL).
Victor also ascended to the role of national team captain, leading the Harambee Stars in the 2019 African Cup of Nations, the first time Kenya featured in more than a decade.
Beyond motherhood, she was a trailblazer in women’s sports administration, holding senior leadership positions within netball.
Notably, she held the position of Kenya Netball Federation President from 2014 to 2018.
Aside from that, she actively participated in community and family events, always projecting an image of strength and grace. Her presence at her children's significant milestones, both on and off the field, was a constant source of pride for the family.
