McDonald Mariga's Single Life Under Scrutiny at Mother's Funeral

A solemn occasion turned into a moment of light-hearted yet pointed advice for former Harambee Stars player and FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga, as prominent political figures attending his mother's funeral on July 5th urged him to consider marriage.

The call to settle down came from Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi, who both addressed Mariga's bachelor status during the burial of Mildred Wanyama, mother to Mariga and his younger brother, footballer Victor Wanyama, in Soy.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, speaking at the funeral, playfully chided Mariga about his unmarried status. Mudavadi expressed a seemingly surprised observation, stating, "Mariga mimi sikujuakwamba bado uko namnahiyo," which translates to, "Mariga, I didn't know you are still like that," referring to his single status.

He then went on to offer advice, suggesting that Mariga find a wife, humorously referring to her as a "first lady." Mudavadi pointed out that his own wife, Mrs. Musalia, hails from Soy, implying Mariga might find a suitable partner from the same area.

"Wacha nikuambie siri first lady anatoka soi. Haya ukiruka barabara Mrs. Musalia anatoka hapa, sasa tafuta tu halafu tuwe tunasema first lady, au ‘Prime CS’ na Mariga wote ni watu wa Soy,” Mudavadi remarked, further encouraging Mariga to seek a partner from Soy.

Mudavadi was not the only public figure to address Mariga's marital status. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi also weighed in, urging Mariga to follow the example set by his younger brother, former Tottenham Hotspur player Victor Wanyama, who is married. Sudi specifically challenged Mariga to "open the way" for his younger siblings by getting married himself.

"Mariga, wewe ni ndugu yetu, na nimeona ndugu yako mwenye ako na mke wake hapa, na hawa wengine bado ni wadogo. Fungua njia ya kuoa ndio hawa wengine wafuate; sasa wewe, mungu amekujalia, uko na nyumba, uko na pesa ya kukula, sasa kazi kidogo ya kuleta mtu akuje akae hapa ndio umeshindwa?" Sudi asked.

This translates to, "Mariga, you are our brother, and I have seen your brother who has his wife here, and these others are still young. Open the way by marrying so that these others may follow; now you, God have blessed you, you have a house, you have money to eat, now the small task of bringing someone to come and stay here is what has defeated you?"

However, Mariga confirmed to them that plans for his wedding are underway, revealing he is in a relationship that he is yet to make public.