Death has once brought Kenyans together again. News broke on Friday evening that Dennis Oliech, arguably Kenya’s most prolific goalscorer had lost his mother to a long term illness believed to be cancer.
Mama Oliech, who is also the founder and proprietor of the famous Mama Oliech Fish restaurants in Nairobi had battled the disease for more than five years.
President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in mourning the iconic mother to the legendary striker.
Kenyatta condoled with the Oliech family saying that he was deeply saddened by her passing on Friday.
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
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Deputy president William Ruto also posted messages of condolences on their official social media handles.
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
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
Kenyan international striker, Michael Olunga, who has been touted as Oliech’s replacement in the national team also tweeted a message of support to his predecessor asking God to grant the family strength at this trying moment.
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
The deceased is famous for her Mama Oliech Restaurant- located in Hurlingham, Nairobi. The joint has hosted Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Former President of the United States Barack Obama.
Her son, Denis Oliech spent a fortune of the earnings he made during his stellar footballing career to treat her. According to reports, she was taken ill in the morning but succumbed later in the day.
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
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
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
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
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