The sporting fraternity in Kenya is in mourning following the death of Mildred Ayiemba Wanyama, the mother of celebrated footballers Victor Wanyama and McDonald Mariga. Her passing has cast a somber mood over a family known for its rich sporting legacy and national contributions across various sports.
Mildred, who passed away peacefully, was not only a beloved mother but also a former netball player. Her athletic spirit, alongside that of her husband Noah Wanyama—a former AFC Leopards footballer—played a significant role in shaping one of Kenya’s most distinguished sporting families.
The Wanyama family is widely recognized for their exceptional talent and commitment to sports. Apart from Victor and Mariga, their eldest son Sylvester Wanyama also played football locally, while their daughter Mercy Wanyama has carved out a successful career in professional basketball. Another sibling, Thomas “Hesky” Wanyama, also pursued football but did not continue with it professionally like his brothers.
Mariga’s football journey began at Ulinzi Stars, before moving to Tusker FC and Kenya Pipeline during his school years. He later ventured abroad, starting his professional career in Sweden with Enköpings SK, then progressing to Helsingborgs IF. His talent quickly gained international attention, leading to a move to Italian side Parma in 2007. Mariga became the first Kenyan to play in the UEFA Champions League when he joined Inter Milan in 2010, earning multiple honors, including league and cup titles. He also had loan stints with Real Sociedad and a return to Parma before rejoining Inter. Internationally, he scored his first goal for the national team against Swaziland in 2007 and played a key role for the Harambee Stars. In 2019, he transitioned into politics, running for a parliamentary seat in Kibra.
Victor Wanyama, the youngest of the siblings, made his national team debut at just 15 years old in 2007. He rose to prominence during his time at Celtic in Scotland, where he became the first Kenyan to score in the UEFA Champions League with a memorable goal against Barcelona in 2012. In 2013, he made headlines again when he transferred to Southampton for £12.5 million, becoming the most expensive player sold by a Scottish club and the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League. Wanyama later joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2016, contributing significantly to their midfield before moving to Major League Soccer’s CF Montréal in 2020. Though he initially announced his departure in 2022, he re-signed with the club for two more years in early 2023. As of March 2025, he signed with Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic, reuniting with his former Celtic manager.
Victor captained the Harambee Stars from 2013 and was part of Kenya’s squad during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. His leadership and experience have made him a symbol of pride for Kenyan football.
The Wanyama family, united in grief, is expected to release burial and funeral programme details in the coming days as they celebrate the life and legacy of their matriarch. Mildred’s influence and love for sports continue to echo in the lives of her children, leaving behind a powerful legacy of determination, resilience, and national pride.
