"She took me in as a daughter and loved me": Serah Teshna's Tearful Homage to Victor Wanyama's Late Mom

Kenyan actress and content creator Serah Teshna, wife of footballer Victor Wanyama, has shared a heartfelt tribute to her late mother-in-law, Mildred Ayiemba Osotsi, during a moving memorial service held at The Church of God, South B - Mariakani, on Wednesday, 2 July.

Surrounded by family and friends, Serah reflected on her close bond with Mildred, whom she described as not only her mother-in-law but also a mother figure who had shown her immense love and acceptance for nearly a decade.

Fighting back tears, Serah spoke warmly about their first meeting, revealing how nervous yet curious she was to meet the woman who had raised the man she loves.

“I remember when Victor told me to meet his mother. I was very scared, just like any other girl, but I was very curious to meet this wonderful lady who had raised such a strong, humble man with dignity and humility. She took me in as a daughter and loved me,” Serah said.

The actress recalled how Mildred showed kindness during a special moment in their lives—when the couple bought their first home while Serah was nine months pregnant.

She shared how Mildred took charge of the kitchen, insisting Serah rest. “She called me and said, ‘Mam, leave the kitchen to me.’ If you knew Mathe, you’d know she was an amazing host—you couldn’t visit her without being served a meal,” Serah added.

She also fondly remembered their family Christmas gatherings at Mildred’s rural home, highlighting her as a prayer warrior who offered spiritual support during difficult times.

“Hatujui sasa nani atatuombea. Kupoteza mama si jambo la hivi hivi. Mama ni roho ya familia,” she said emotionally, underscoring the depth of their loss.Victor, too, shared touching memories of his mother, recounting how, in 2007, when he was homesick after moving to Belgium for football, his parents encouraged him to persevere.

His mother’s promise to pray for him and her unwavering belief in his dreams were instrumental in shaping his path.

Victor’s father, Noah Wanyama, also spoke during the service, recalling how he met Mildred in 1980 when he was a footballer, and she was a netball player.

The couple shared a deep bond for decades, raising a large family of 16 children. Noah paid tribute to his late wife’s generosity, revealing that she was the heart of their home, often helping others with school fees or opportunities abroad.

He noted that she had even bought him suits, admitting he had never purchased household items himself.

Mildred’s health declined following complications from a leg wound, which eventually led to heart failure. Noah movingly declared that he has no intention of remarrying, saying no one could ever take her place.

“Even if you give me a lady who is a millionaire, I will never find a woman like her,” he said, adding with humour that he wished it had been him who had passed instead.