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Mama Mildred Ayiemba Osotsi Wanyama was a devoted mother who nurtured Kenya’s top athletes, leaving a lasting sporting legacy.
A devoted mother to Kenyan football’s finest duo, Mama Mildred Ayiemba Osotsi Wanyama was on Saturday laid to rest in Soy, Uasin Gishu county, in a heartfelt ceremony that brought together family, leaders, and the wider sporting community.
Mama Mildred, the wife of legendary AFC Leopards midfielder Noah Wanyama, passed away on the morning of Saturday, June 14, leaving behind a towering legacy rooted in faith, family, and an enduring passion for sports.
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She was celebrated not only as a matriarch of one of Kenya’s most prominent sporting dynasties but also as a role model to countless families who looked up to her dedication and strength.
The burial was attended by notable leaders, including Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Soy MP David Kiplagat, Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, and Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek.
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Members of the Kenyan sporting fraternity also turned up to honour a woman whose influence reached far beyond her home.
Mama Mildred was the beloved mother of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga and former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama, both of whom credited their success to her constant encouragement and prayers.
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Matriarch Who Nurtured Kenya’s Sporting Dynasty
In addition to Mariga and Victor, Mama Mildred raised sons Thomas and Sylvester, who also pursued professional football careers, further cementing the family’s reputation as a powerhouse of Kenyan sport.
Her daughter, Mercy Wanyama, has carved out her own remarkable path, representing Kenya on the international basketball stage and inspiring young women in sports across the country.
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Her passing has been described as a significant loss not only to her family but also to the larger Kenyan community that watched her children rise to prominence on both local and international fields.
Speaking during the funeral service, Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi paid a moving tribute to the late Mama Mildred, reflecting on the profound impact she had on her children and the community around her.
“As we gather here in Soy, Uasin Gishu county, to bid her farewell, we celebrate the life of a woman whose legacy will live on through her sons' achievements in football and beyond,” Sudi said as per The Star.
“Her dedication to the church and support for her children's passions are an inspiration to many. May God comfort the family and grant Rev Mildred Ayiemba Osotsi Wanyama's soul eternal peace,” he added.
An Enduring Legacy of Faith and Family
Throughout her life, Mama Mildred was known for her steadfast devotion to her church and her unrelenting support for her children’s dreams.
Family members and mourners spoke fondly of her commitment to ensuring that her home was a place of discipline, love, and faith—values that shaped the Wanyama siblings into some of Kenya’s most celebrated athletes.
Her son Victor Wanyama, who captained the Harambee Stars and played for several top clubs abroad, has often spoken of how his mother’s prayers and belief guided his career.
Mariga, the first Kenyan to play in the UEFA Champions League, similarly credits her guidance as instrumental to his success.
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