What Led to the Passing of Mildred Wanyama?
Kenyan football stars Victor Wanyama and McDonald Mariga are mourning the loss of their mother, Mildred Wanyama, who passed away in mid-June after a short illness. According to her husband, the illness began as a simple burn on her leg, which later worsened and led to hospitalization. Speaking during her funeral, he shared that his last visit to the hospital seemed routine at the time, unaware it would be his final goodbye. “I later received a call from my daughter that Mildred had died,” he recounted, in an emotional tribute to his late wife.
Victor Wanyama also paid tribute to his mother during the service, recalling a pivotal moment in his early football career. He remembered calling home while at a football camp in Belgium, overwhelmed and ready to quit. His mother urged him to keep going. “Even though she is gone, I still feel her presence around us,” the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder said.
Why Were Wanyama and Mariga Spotted at a Club After the Funeral?
Just days after the burial, a video surfaced showing the two brothers at a nightclub, dancing alongside Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and gospel singer Daddy Owen, who was performing his hit song Tobina. Although their expressions suggested they were still processing grief, the two managed to smile and join in the dancing. The moment drew mixed reactions online, with some questioning how they could be partying so soon after such a loss.
How Does Psychology Explain Joyful Moments During Grief?
According to psychologist Aggie Wambui, these kinds of emotional shifts are not unusual. “Grief is not experienced in one way. Some people seek moments of joy or distraction to cope with overwhelming sorrow. Dancing, especially when surrounded by supportive friends, can offer a brief emotional release. It doesn’t mean one is done mourning, it simply shows the complexity of healing,” she explained.
The video, though surprising to some, may reflect a very human attempt to find comfort and normalcy in the wake of deep loss
By Risper Akinyi