Robert Matano, the head coach of Kenyan Premier League outfit KCB FC, has paid tribute to his late wife, Mary Anyango Matano, describing her as a devoted partner, a pillar of her family, and a woman whose life was defined by integrity, service, and quiet generosity.
Mary is set to be buried on Saturday, January 31, in Bunyala, Busia County.
In a eulogy shared ahead of the burial, Matano reflected on their marriage, which spanned more than four decades, rooted in friendship, shared values, and a mutual love of football.
The couple met in the early 1980s through football circles. Mary was a passionate supporter of AFC Leopards and followed the club across the country. Her cousin, the late JJ Masiga, was one of the club’s well-known players.
“It was during those football days that I first noticed Mary,” Matano recalled.
Matano pens glowing tribute to wife
Their home, he said, quickly became a gathering place for football lovers, often hosting players and teams, particularly those playing near Camp Toyoyo. Beyond football, Matano described the home as one filled with warmth, generosity, and openness.
Their friendship deepened after Matano joined Kenya Railways, where Mary was already working—a coincidence he described as the beginning of a shared life built on mutual respect and companionship.
They married in 1982 and built their home in Hainga village, Budalang’i Sub-County, Busia County.
“For more than 42 years, Mary was my wife, my best friend, and my closest confidant,” Matano said. “We walked through life together as true partners.”
Matano described his wife as a woman of integrity, honesty, and kindness, noting that she treated everyone equally and carried no bitterness.
“She never discriminated against anyone. She carried no hatred, no grudges, and she never spoke ill of others.”
According to Matano, Mary believed strongly in peace and reconciliation, choosing open dialogue over conflict and moving on once disputes were resolved.
Family life, education, and career
Their marriage was blessed with four children — the late Frankline Joshua, the late Brian Harrison, and twins, the late Felista Laura Juma and Linda Namde.
Mary was also a grandmother to Maya, Nala, and Nuru, whom Matano said brought immense joy into her life. She was the mother-in-law of Chris Spencer.
Matano described Mary as deeply family-oriented, noting that after the death of her father and elder brother, she took responsibility for raising and supporting her siblings.
Their home became a place of refuge for brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and in-laws, with many living under their roof at different times.
Mary began her education in 1964 at Juja Road Nursery School in Nairobi. She then joined Muslim Primary School, where she completed her Certificate of Primary Education in 1971.
She later attended R.G.S Secondary School before transferring to Matuga Girls Secondary School, where she sat for her Kenya Certificate of Education and attained Division II. In 1976, she enrolled at the Government Secretarial College to pursue Secretarial Studies for three years.
Anyango later joined the Kenya Railways Corporation as a Stenographer II and steadily rose through the ranks to become an Executive Secretary and Personal Assistant to various Heads of Department.
Also Read: President Ruto Pays Special Tribute to Raila in His Jamhuri Day Speech [Full Text]
Mary served at Kenya Railways with distinction until 2002, when she retired after more than two decades of service. Following her retirement, Mary devoted much of her time to church ministry.
She was an active and committed member of Christ Is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) Buruburu, where she participated in church activities and fellowship. Matano said her faith guided how she lived, treated others, and handled challenges.
Illness and passing
Mary enjoyed good health for most of her life until September 2025, when she started experiencing hip pain.
She was later diagnosed with cancer and admitted to Jumuia Hospital, Huruma, where she was scheduled to undergo hip replacement surgery before beginning oncology treatment.
Her condition deteriorated while awaiting surgery, and she passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, surrounded by family, friends and members of the church. According to the family, Mary faced her illness with courage, dignity, and strength.
In his closing tribute, Matano said Mary’s legacy would endure through the lives she touched.
“In losing Mary, I have lost a true partner and a remarkable woman,” he said. “Her love, generosity, and integrity will remain with me forever.”
Mary Anyango Matano’s death has drawn condolences from the Kenyan football fraternity, including Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, and the wider community.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates
