A funeral that began in tears took a heartwarming turn as Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and football star Victor Wanyama delivered lighthearted speeches during the final farewell to Mildred Ayiemba Wanyama, mother of former footballer McDonald Mariga and Victor Wanyama.
The emotional ceremony, held in Soy, Uasin Gishu County, was attended by family, friends, and mourners who gathered to celebrate the life of the beloved matriarch.
While the mood was initially somber, a few unexpected moments of humor brought warmth and smiles to the crowd.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi sparked laughter when he turned his attention to Mariga’s bachelor status, playfully suggesting that it was high time the former footballer settled down.
“You have a house, you have food, only one thing is missing: bringing someone to live with you,” Sudi quipped, urging Mariga to lead by example.
@lightcasttvkenya
“Uko na nyumba na pesa ya chakula, kwani kazi kidogo ya kuleta bibi ndio inakusumbua. Wanaume muache kuwa na watoto kama panadol, mimi niko na kumi na!”~Oscar Sudi roasts Mariga.
♬ original sound – Lightcast TV Kenya
“Fungua hii barabara ya kuoa ndio hawa wengine waoe,” he said with a grin, meaning Mariga should “open the road” for others by tying the knot.
Sudi humorously noted that Mariga’s delay in getting married had resulted in “loss,” as he could have had children already. He encouraged him to find a wife locally, adding that women from Uasin Gishu and Western Kenya are loving and would appreciate someone like him—tall and dark.
Victor Wanyama also offered heartfelt memories of their mother, blending emotion with gentle humor. His tribute drew laughter as he recalled their childhood antics and their mother’s unwavering kindness—even to his friends after disagreements.
“Mama alitupenda sana kama familia na pia marafiki zangu…” he said, sharing how his mother would still feed his friends even after they had fallen out.
He also reminisced about a late-night adventure involving his younger brother’s love for bread.
“Ilifika usiku, ndugu yangu mdogo alikua anapenda mkate sana… Mama ananiambia, ‘Bana, kimbia kwa duka,’” Wanyama recalled, laughing as he described sprinting through the night, sneaking bites of bread on the way back.
Despite the sadness of the day, the heartfelt and humorous speeches brought a sense of togetherness and lightened the grief.