Footballer, McDonald Mariga’s ex-girlfriend engaged to Rwandese tycoon

Ariane Umotoni, the ex-girlfriend of prominent Kenyan footballer McDonald Mariga, on Saturday got engaged to a wealthy Rwandese tycoon.

Ariane, a Daystar University alumnus, got engaged to her fiancé on October 31 2015 in a colorful traditional ceremony which was held in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.

Her fiancé, only identified as Phil, is said to be a financial consultant based in the capital.

Ariane, who is also Rwandese, reportedly invited her three Kenyan friends – who she met during her stay in Nairobi – to the ceremony.

Phil threw a lavish engagement bash – which reportedly ran into millions – for Ariane together with her friends and family at an exclusive hotel.

The date of the wedding is yet to be announced, but word has it that it could be soon as Ariane is reportedly expectant.

Ariane and Mariga dated for five years (since 2008) before calling it quits in 2013.

The ex-Inter Milan star is said to have in 2010 traveled to Rwanda accompanied by his mother and few relatives for official introduction to Ariane’s family.

It is reported the midfield star made partial dowry payment to his then ‘fiancée’s’ parents.

Mariga is said to have splashed millions of shillings then to purchase a pricey engagement ring and a car for his lady love.

Mariga’s relationship with Ariane hit the rocks in mid-2013, when the former Tusker player developed an eye for his current girlfriend, Hawa – who is said to have West African roots. The lovebirds met in Italy where Mariga was based in at the time.

Hawa and Mariga grew closer. Their relationship resulted into the two being blessed with a daughter named Kenisha.

This news broke Ariane’s heart and she was dejected. With time, she accepted fate and moved on.

She relocated to Rwanda upon graduating from Daystar University, leaving behind the car and other dear possessions Mariga had acquired for her.

It is in Rwanda where love in Ariane’s heart budded once again.

Meanwhile, Mariga’s relationship with Hawa is healthy. In 2014, the international midfield sensation hinted that he would soon tie the knot.

“Not now, but soon. I can’t tell you exactly when at the moment, but it will be soon. It’s every family’s joy to see one of their own getting married,” he divulged in a July 2014 Nairobian publication when he was asked about marriage date.