Former footballer McDonald Mariga, like many good sons, elevated his parents' lifestyle while still at the height of his career.
In 2010, while still playing for Inter Milan, an Italian-based football club, he bought a lavish house for his parents in the posh suburbs of Lavington estate in Nairobi.
In a past Citizen TV video, Mariga's father, Noah Wanyama, recounted their past life in the sprawling Landima estate where they would only afford the basic needs.
"Initially I would only buy kales. At the moment, I can comfortably enjoy meat and I've also driven around in high-end cars," Noah proudly disclosed.
"Initially we resided in a grass thatched house. Today, however, when it rains, I can sleep comfortably," he added.
According to Mildred Wanyama, Mariga's mother, she met Noah in the 1970s where they were both working for Kenya Railways.
Their love story was kindled during the Kikoso games, where Mildred was a netballer while Noah a footballer.
Inside the two-storey palatial house that is well furnished, a medium-sized aquarium could be seen delicately placed in the living room with the highlight being a trophy cabinet bearing all the trophies and medals won by Mariga, Victor, Thomas, and Mercy Wanyama.
Mariga's father who played for AFC Leoprads for 16 years also disclosed that his children's interest in sports began way back when they were young and would accompany him to most games to guard his luggage as he played.
"When I played they would carry my bags to most games, sometimes I would leave them with the ball and they would play around with it. Occasionally, I would tag them along to various practice sessions," he recounted.
Mariga, who aspires to be the Kibra Member of Parliament (MP), is currently set to face off with ODM's Bernard 'Imran' Okoth in the upcoming Kibra by-elections under the Jubilee Party ticket.
