Born of Royal Destiny - Another Remarkable Journey of Ambassador Maryben Akinyi Omollo

A Birthday Rooted in Purpose

On July 29, 2024, Ambassador Maryben Omollo—an award-winning mental health and leadership coach, founder of the Maryben Foundation, and a global advocate for inclusive workplaces—celebrated her birthday in Nairobi, Kenya. But this was no ordinary birthday message. It was a deeply personal story of survival, resilience, and purpose—a testimony to a life that began with struggle and blossomed into impact. With 95,000 followers on LinkedIn today and a global reach of more than 50 million, Maryben used this moment not only to reflect on her journey but to inspire others to embrace their own.

A Birth Marked by Struggle and Divine Intervention

Maryben’s story began in the heart of western Kenya, where two adults from Ugunja in Siaya County and Marindi in South Nyanza fell in love. Like many couples, they faced their share of challenges. After three children, they decided to have a fourth—hoping for another tall child like the others. But on July 29, a surprise awaited them. Their fourth child was born small, struggling to breathe, and crying uncontrollably. She was placed on oxygen and a ventilator. Meanwhile, her mother was haemorrhaging uncontrollably. The situation was dire. Even the doctors were alarmed. That night, something extraordinary happened. Maryben’s maternal grandfather, her mother, and a neighbour all had the same dream: the grandfather must go to the hospital, hold the baby, bless her, and name her “Daa Ny’obeng.” Without mobile phones to communicate, the grandfather set out early the next morning. On the way, he met the neighbour, who shared the same dream. At the hospital, he found his daughter—Maryben’s mother—who had also dreamt the same. He went to the nursery, held the fragile baby, declared blessings over her, and gave her the name from the dream. Miraculously, the baby stopped crying, and her mother’s bleeding ceased. That baby was Maryben Akinyi Omollo.

A Fighter from the Start

Maryben’s birth story is more than a tale of survival—it is a declaration of destiny. Among six siblings, she remains the shortest, a fact she shares with humour. But her height has never defined her. What has defined her is her spirit.

“That tells you I am a fighter,” she wrote. “And that’s why after five suicide attempts, I couldn’t die. I am a child of destiny.”

Her words are raw, honest, and powerful. They speak to the silent battles many face and the strength it takes to keep going. Maryben’s life is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of purpose.

A Gift to Herself: Education and Growth

This year, Maryben chose to gift herself something meaningful—education. Though she has not yet completed her master’s or PhD, she is on the path, and her mother proudly calls her Nyako mo somo—“a learned lady.” Her academic and professional achievements are impressive. She introduced herself with pride and gratitude:

1. Qualified International Advanced ESG Professional
2. Executive Leadership Coach
3. Workplace Mental Health Coach
4. Certified Trainer of Trainers
5. Certified Personal Development Coach
6. Certified Corporate Governance and Risk Management Professional (CCGRMP)

These titles are not just credentials—they are reflections of her commitment to growth, service, and excellence.

Gratitude for the Journey

Maryben’s birthday message was filled with gratitude—not just for the milestones, but for the struggles that shaped her.

“I am grateful for turning a new year full of resilience, failures, and doubt. Most importantly, I did not lose hope.”

She acknowledged the days when she felt lifeless, the moments when crawling was the only option. But she never stayed down. She rose, again and again. Her message was also a thank-you to her online LinkedIn community—now 95,000 strong—for walking with her, learning from her, and partnering with her in purpose.

A Lesson in Destiny and Determination

The lesson from Maryben’s story is profound: you are not defined by how you start, but by how you rise. Her life began with crisis, but it was marked by divine intervention and unwavering love. That beginning set the tone for a life of impact. She reminds us that destiny is not always loud or glamorous. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet decision to keep going. In the courage to heal. In the choice to grow.

Reflection: A Life Worth Celebrating

Ambassador Maryben Omollo’s birthday reflection on July 29, was more than a celebration—it was a declaration. A declaration that life, no matter how fragile at the start, can become a force for change. That pain can birth purpose. That survival can lead to significance. Her story invites us to reflect on our own beginnings, our own battles, and our own blessings. It challenges us to see ourselves not as victims of circumstance, but as vessels of purpose. So, as Maryben steps into another year of life, she does so not just as a survivor, but as a leader, a mentor, and a woman of destiny. And in her words—her Mpesa line is open—a reminder that even in celebration, there’s room for humour, humility, and human connection.