The Wanyama family, one of Kenya’s most iconic sporting dynasties, bid farewell to their beloved matriarch, Mama Mildred Ayiemba Osotsi Wanyama, in a solemn burial ceremony held on Saturday in Soy, Uasin Gishu County. Mama Mildred passed away on the morning of June 14, 2024, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in faith, family, and an unwavering support for sports.
She was the mother of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga and former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama. Her other children, Thomas and Sylvester, also pursued professional football, while her daughter Mercy Wanyama has represented Kenya in basketball on the international stage.
Married to former AFC Leopards legend Noah Wanyama, Mama Mildred played a central role in nurturing a family that would become synonymous with Kenyan sporting excellence. Her dedication to raising disciplined, ambitious, and grounded children earned her admiration across the country.
The burial ceremony was attended by political leaders and members of the sporting fraternity who came to pay their last respects. Among them were Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Soy MP David Kiplagat, Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, and Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek.
Speaking during the funeral, MP Oscar Sudi praised Mama Mildred’s influence as both a mother and a role model within her community. “As we gather here to bid her farewell, we celebrate a woman whose legacy will live on through her children’s achievements. Her devotion to the church and her children’s dreams is an inspiration to many,” he said.
Mama Mildred was widely known for her gentle spirit, devotion to the church, and constant encouragement of her children’s sporting careers. Her death marks the end of an era, but her legacy lives on through the success and humility of her children.
As the nation mourns alongside the Wanyama family, Kenyans continue to honour a woman who, though often behind the scenes, was instrumental in shaping the lives of some of the country’s greatest sports personalities.
