Former Harambee Stars midfielder McDonald Mariga has defended his wealth and luxury lifestyle amid claims that he joined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for financial gain, pointing to the millions he earned during his professional football career in Europe.
Mariga, who played for several clubs in Italy and Spain, dismissed suggestions that he joined the federation for personal gain, listing some of the expensive vehicles he already owns.
“I have an Escalade, a Hummer H2, a Dodge Challenger and a Jaguar. What other flashy cars did I want from the federation?” he posed.
He also dismissed claims that he had benefited financially from federation-related trips, insisting that he had paid for the journeys himself.
“I swear I have not been paid a penny for the trips I have made,” he stated.
His remarks have renewed attention on the wealth he accumulated during his playing career, particularly his time at Italian giants Inter Milan, where he featured under former manager Jose Mourinho.
Mariga’s European Football Career and Millions in Salary
Mariga’s financial success largely stems from his professional football career, which took him from Kenya to Sweden, Italy, and Spain.
He began his professional career in Sweden in 2005, joining Enköpings SK before moving to Helsingborgs IF in 2006.
In 2007, he joined Italian side Parma, where his performances attracted interest from several European clubs.
His career reached a major milestone in January 2010 when he signed for Inter Milan under Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho.
Mariga became the first Kenyan footballer to feature in the UEFA Champions League when he came on as a substitute against Chelsea in March 2010.
He was part of the Inter Milan squad that won the 2009/2010 UEFA Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia titles, completing a historic treble under Mourinho.
His time at the Italian club also made him one of the highest-earning Kenyan footballers of his generation.
According to a May 2011 report by The East African, Mariga earned approximately $1.3 million annually, equivalent to about KSh104 million at the exchange rate used at the time.
A separate salary estimate from the football salary database Capology places his gross annual fixed earnings at Inter Milan during the 2010/2011 season at about €1.48 million.
In January 2025, Mariga was estimated to have earned more than $6 million throughout his professional football career.
After leaving Inter Milan, Mariga continued playing in Europe, featuring for Real Sociedad in Spain on loan before returning to Parma.
He later played for Latina in Italy and Real Oviedo in Spain before ending his professional career at Cuneo in Italy.
Also Read: Mariga and 6 Others Expelled After Standoff
Inside McDonald Mariga’s Luxury Car Collection
Mariga’s latest remarks have also brought attention to his collection of expensive vehicles, which he acquired during his years as a professional footballer.
Three of Mariga’s most expensive vehicles are the Cadillac Escalade, Hummer H2 and Range Rover Velar.
Mariga has also mentioned a Dodge Challenger and a Jaguar in his latest response to claims surrounding his FKF role.
Cadillac Escalade
One of the most expensive vehicles associated with Mariga is a Cadillac Escalade, an American luxury SUV manufactured by General Motors.
Mariga purchased a 2011 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Edition.
The expelled FKF vice President spent close to KSh20 million on the vehicle, including approximately KSh12 million for the purchase and another KSh8 million in import duty.
The Escalade is known for its spacious interior, powerful engine and luxury features, making it one of the high-end SUVs popular among wealthy motorists.
Hummer H2
Mariga also owns a Hummer H2, another American-made luxury SUV that attracted attention during his 2019 campaign for the Kibra parliamentary seat.
He was spotted arriving in the vehicle during the campaign, drawing attention to its imposing design and size.
The vehicle is believed to have been purchased in 2010, the same year Mariga won the UEFA Champions League with Inter Milan.
Mariga spent more than KSh13 million on the vehicle, including purchase costs and taxes.
The Hummer H2 is known for its powerful V8 engine, off-road capabilities and heavy-duty design. However, its large size and fuel consumption made it an expensive vehicle to maintain.
Range Rover Velar
Another luxury vehicle previously associated with Mariga is the Range Rover Velar. He spent approximately KSh7 million on the vehicle.
The Range Rover Velar is a luxury SUV manufactured by British automaker Land Rover. It features a modern exterior design, premium interior and advanced driving technology.
The latest models of the vehicle have been reported to cost more than KSh22 million, although the amount Mariga reportedly paid for his vehicle was significantly lower.
In his latest remarks, Mariga also listed a Dodge Challenger and a Jaguar among his vehicles, although he did not disclose their purchase prices or specific models.
The Dodge Challenger is an American muscle car manufactured by Dodge, a Stellantis brand. It is known for its powerful engine options, rear-wheel-drive configuration and distinctive retro-inspired design.
Depending on the model and trim, the Challenger has been offered with V6 and V8 engines, including the high-performance 6.2-litre supercharged V8 in the SRT Hellcat.
Meanwhile, Jaguar is a British luxury vehicle brand known for combining performance with premium styling and interiors. Its range has included luxury saloons and sports cars, including the XF, XJ, and F-Type.
Also Read: Mariga Issues Way Forward After Being Ousted as FKF Vice President
The Mansion Mariga Bought for His Parents
Beyond his luxury vehicles, Mariga has also been associated with a notable property purchase in Nairobi.
In 2010, while playing for Inter Milan, he reportedly bought a two-storey house in Lavington for his parents.
The property featured modern furnishings, an aquarium in the living room and a trophy cabinet displaying awards won by Mariga and his siblings.
His father, Noah Wanyama, previously recalled the family’s humble beginnings, including living in a grass-thatched house.
He also spoke about the improvement in their living conditions following his son’s success in professional football.
“Initially I would only buy kales. At the moment, I can comfortably enjoy meat, and I’ve also driven around in high-end cars,” Noah said.
Mariga’s family has a strong sporting background. His father played for AFC Leopards for 16 years, while his younger brother Victor Wanyama also became a professional footballer, representing clubs in Europe and the English Premier League.
Mariga’s Property in Malindi
Mariga has also reportedly owned a property along the Kenyan coast.
A 2011 report by The Standard indicated that the former midfielder had acquired a multi-million-shilling house in Malindi.
The property was reported to be located near the residence of Italian businessman and former Formula One chairman Flavio Briatore.
However, the current value of the Malindi property and whether it remains part of Mariga’s holdings have not been publicly established.
Mariga’s actual net worth has not been established through publicly available audited financial records.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for in-depth interviews
