Long before siblings McDonald Mariga and Victor Wanyama became stars in European football, one person was cheering for them the loudest, and praying fervently - their mother Mildred Ayiemba.
Sadly, Ayiemba, who played netball at club level in 1980s’ and 1990s’ and also served as chairlady of Kenya Netball Federation (KNF) between 2014 and 2018, died on Saturday morning.
She was a remarkable woman who raised several athletes, with Mariga and Wanyama going on to play football at the highest level globally.
Mariga, who is now vice president of Football Kenya Federation (FKF), broke the news of the demise of their mother on X on Saturday.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, who left us peacefully today morning. We are currently making arrangements and will share more details soon! Thank you,” the former defensive midfielder, who lifted the prestigious Uefa Champions League with Italian giants Inter Milan in 2010, wrote on X.
Ayiemba was married to former Kenya international and AFC Leopards great Noah Wanyama, and played a pivotal role in shaping the sporting careers of their children. Apart from Mariga and Wanyama, the family boasts several other athletes.
They include footballers Thomas, who played for Sofapaka, Sylvester who turned out for the defunct Sony Sugar FC, and Harry who played for Kamukunji Secondary School.
Ayiemba’s daughters, Mercy and Alice, played basketball, while Sylvia played netball. Mariga and Wanyama are the most successful in sports.
Mildred Ayiemba Wanyama at her clothes shop in Kariokor, Nairobi on January 30, 2010.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Apart from making history as the first Kenyan to win the Uefa Champions League title, Mariga enjoyed a successful career in Europe, playing for top clubs such as Italy’s Parma and Real Sociedad, and Real Oviedo of Spain. He played for Harambee Stars between 2003 and 2015.
On the other hand, Wanyama captained Harambee Stars at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt. The defensive midfielder also played for English Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton.
With Scottish side Celtic, Wanyama became the first Kenyan to score in the Uefa Champions League when he netted in their 2-1 win over Spanish giants Barcelona. In a previous interview with renowned journalist Jeff Koinange, Mariga revealed that his mother was one of his greatest fans.
She was in attendance when Mariga scored for Inter Milan in their 2-1 win over Atlanta in an Italian Serie A match at San Siro Stadium on April 24, 2010.
Mildred Ayiemba Wanyama (second left) with children (from left) Thomas, Cynthia and Christopher Osali at her clothes shop in Kariokor, Nairobi on January 30, 2010.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“She watches my games. She came to visit me in Italy and was there for the match where I scored against Atlanta. It felt great and I was happy she was in attendance,” Mariga said then, adding that his mother supported his decision to take football seriously.
Ayiemba was a great netballer for the Kenya Railways Corporation between 1982 and 1994. According to KNF secretary general Millicent Busolo, Ayiemba played as a defender and was “calm, composed but focused.”
She failed to retain her position as KNF president in the March 2018 elections, losing to Emmaculate Kabutha.
Thanks to the success of her children in sports, the family moved from Muthurwa Estate in Nairobi’s Eastlands area to the affluent Lavington estate.
On Saturday, the sports fraternity and local leaders condoled with the family.
“The Football Kenya Federation extends its heartfelt condolences to our vice president and the entire Wanyama family following the loss of their beloved mother. We stand with you during this difficult time,” FKF said on X.
“My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends of my deputy president McDonald Mariga and the entire Wanyama family as you mourn the loss of your beloved mum. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, may her soul rest in eternal serenity,” FKF president Hussein Mohammed wrote on X.
Mildred Ayiemba Wanyama at her clothes shop in Kariokor, Nairobi on January 30, 2010.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“It is with profound shock and deep sorrow to learn of the passing of my Friend, colleague in sports, mentor and my Former President Kenya Netball Federation Mildred Ayiemba Wanyama. It is an incredibly painful loss not only to the family but to the wider Netball fraternity,” said Busolo.
“She became my President for Netball. Her leadership skills for development in youth which realised the growth of the game at grassroot level. Very hardworking woman indeed. Mentored me in leadership skills. To the family and all who knew and worked with her, I extend my heartfelt condolences during this time of profound grief. May the almighty grant us strength and fortitude as we mourn the loss of our Mum. MHSRIP,” she added.
“Mama Mildred is the wife of our former Team Manager, player, and official - Noah Wanyama, our former player - Victor Wanyama, and FKF’s Vice President and former Kenya international McDonald Mariga.. May her soul rest in peace,” AFC Leopards wrote on Facebook.
“I convey condolences from my family, the great people of Embakasi East, and myself to my friends Macdonald Mariga, Victor Wanyama, and the entire Wanyama family on the loss of their mum. This great lady brought up Kenya’s most celebrated sports heroes. May her soul find eternal peaceful rest and her family be comforted,” Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said on Facebook.
