Angela Okutoyi in mourning after aunt loses battle to rare disease
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 24.12.25. | 16:49
Speaking emotionally about her loss, Angela paid glowing tribute to the woman who played a central role in her upbringing
Kenyan tennis sensation Angela Okutoyi is in mourning following the death of her beloved aunt, Cynthia Okutoyi, who succumbed to Myasthenia Gravis, a rare chronic neuromuscular disease that causes severe muscle weakness.
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Cynthia had initially been diagnosed with pneumonia before doctors later confirmed the more complex condition, which she had been managing since 2022 through continuous medication.
In recent weeks, however, her health deteriorated rapidly, leading to her admission to a hospital. Despite receiving intensive medical care, she passed away, leaving a deep void in the lives of her family.
Speaking emotionally about her loss, Angela paid glowing tribute to the woman who played a central role in her upbringing.
“Cynthia was my aunt. She raised my sister and me since we were kids. I thank her so much. She loved us so much, even though she lost her sister, my mum, when she was still young.
She has since been a good friend who has helped us in everything. She was like a big sister that I did not get. She was always happy and always listened to me,” Angela emotionally said.
The 21-year-old tennis star admitted that life will be difficult without her trusted confidant.
“Life will be hard without her because I have lost a confidant who I could talk to in case of anything. I do not know who I will be calling. I am saddened that she is no more. She was a very strong woman, even in the hospital, despite the pain,” she added.
She also revealed that she and her aunt had shared dreams for the future, including travelling together and building a house for their grandmother.
“We had planned that she would come to watch me play an international match and that we would travel together and build our grandmother a house.
I wanted to help her because she has been through a lot. But I promise to help my grandmother till the last breath. I love you so much, be strong. Rest in peace, Cynthia,” she broke down as she explained.
Cynthia was a constant source of inspiration and support in Angela’s career, cheering her on at major tournaments such as the Billie Jean King Cup and the W25 Nairobi tournament, and offering encouragement even during difficult moments.
Her influence was evident recently when Angela produced one of the most emotional performances of her career at the ITF W35 Orlando 3 tournament on November 13, 2025.
Partnering with Francesca Pace, Angela clinched a dramatic doubles victory against Americans Samantha Alicea and Malkia Ngounoue in a three-set thriller, 5-7, 6-1, [10-2].
Remarkably, Angela had been informed of her aunt’s worsening condition just minutes before stepping onto the court and later dedicated the win to her.
Angela has established herself as one of Kenya’s most prominent tennis players. She first rose to international prominence in 2022 after becoming the first Kenyan woman to win a junior Grand Slam match at the Australian Open.
Later that year, she made history again by winning the Wimbledon girls’ doubles title alongside Rose Marie Nijkamp, securing Kenya’s first-ever Grand Slam title in any category.
On the professional circuit, Angela has continued to break barriers, becoming the first Kenyan male or female to win an ITF singles title at the W15 Monastir event in July 2023.
She followed this with another singles triumph at the W25 Nairobi tournament in December 2023 and has also claimed gold in women’s singles at the African Games.
