Uhuru leads the nation in mourning Mama Oliech
President Uhuru Kenyatta has led Kenyans in mourning former Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech’s mother Mary Auma, popularly known as Mama Oliech, who passed on at her home on Friday evening.
The President was among political leaders who took to social media to mourn Mama Oliech after news broke of her demise at her home in Lavington after developing difficulty in breathing.
In his message on Twitter, the president said he was deeply saddened by the news of the passing on of Mama Oliech.
I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing on of Mama Oliech this evening. My heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Mama Mary Auma, and indeed all Kenyans. May our Lord bless and comfort all of you during this time of grief. #RIPMamaOliech
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) July 20, 2018
Similar condolences messages have also been sent to the family by among others opposition leader Raila Odinga, Deputy President William Ruto and Football Kenya President Nick Mwendwa.
My deepest condolences to Dennis Oliech, the entire Oliech family and the soccer fraternity following the passing on of Mama Oliech after a long illness. We stand with the family in prayer at this time of grief. May her soul forever rest in eternal peace.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 20, 2018
In his message Ruto eulogised Mama Oliech for “nurturing a great son, who opened the gates of professional football to budding players.”
A sad loss following the passing on of Mama Mary Auma, mother of Dennis Oliech, a leading Kenyan footballer. She nurtured a great son, who opened the gates of professional football to budding players and proved that focus, commitment, diligence, effort are ingredients of success.
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) July 20, 2018
On my own behalf and that of the entire football fraternity, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dennis ‘the Menace’ Oliech, following the untimely passing on of Mama Mary Auma. (1/2)
— Nick Mwendwa (@Nmwendwa) July 20, 2018
Oliech’s elder brother and manager Nickson Onywanda confirmed his mother’s death saying the body has been moved to Umash Funeral Hom
“She fell ill and we were preparing to take her to hospital but she passed away before we could do that,” Onywanda said.
Oliech likewise eulogized his late mother in a brief message on social media.
“Mum is in a better place. It is sad but I’m happy she is resting now,” he wrote.
The late Auma, who ran the famous ‘Mama Oliech’ restaurant – known for its fish delicacies – was being treated for cancer.
Five years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer and spent close to one year undergoing treatment in Paris where Oliech was playing football.
Here are some of the condolences Kenyans sent to the family.
My deepest condolences to the entire family of Dennis Oliech on the passing of Mama Oliech.
May the soul of your mother be at peace with our Heavenly Father.
May God give you the peace that you seek.
— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) July 20, 2018
My deepest condolences to Dennis and the entire Oliech Family on the demise of their mother, Mary Auma. Not only did Mama Oliech nurture a star footballer but she also grew her business into a household name through sheer determination. May she rest in peace. #RIPMamaOliech pic.twitter.com/g1996LjvC6
— Hon. Esther M Passaris (@EstherPassaris) July 20, 2018
I extend my deepest sympathies to Denis Oliech and his family for the loss of thier beloved mum.I pray that God grant you and your family strength during this dark https://t.co/eKWMHQlxKo heartfelt condolences ?#RIPMamaOliech
— Ogada Olunga (@OgadaOlunga) July 20, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to Dennis Oliech and the entire family for the loss of their beloved mom, Mama Oliech. May the lord comfort you during this difficult time. Rest with the Angels mama
— Suzanna OWIYO – OGW (@SuzannaOwiyo) July 20, 2018
Deepest condolences to the Oliech family on the passing of Mama Oliech. She was such a force that saw the development of Denis Oliech; arguably Kenya’s finest striker to date and many other talented children #RIPMamaOliech #CancerSoldier #CancerWarrior
— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) July 20, 2018