Kenya women’s volleyball team player, Jane Wacu, has paid glowing tribute to her teammate Janet Wanja, who died on Friday in Nairobi after a long battle with gallbladder cancer.
The 39-year-old Wacu, who plays professional volleyball in Seychelles, was Wanja’s teammate at the national volleyball team ‘Malkia Strikers' for 11 years, although they have known each other for 22 years since their first meeting in 2002. They also played together at Kenya Pipeline. Both were setters and at different times, they enjoyed healthy rivalry at Kenya Pipeline, and at the national team.
Kenyan setter Jane Wacu and Janet Wanja with the FIVB Zone Five trophy after beating Egypt in Kasarani on 30 July 2013.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
On Friday, Wacu, who plays for the Seychellois club Cascade, told Nation Sport of her devastation upon learning of Wanja’s death. Wacu had planned to return home from Seychelles and pay a visit to Wanja on January 2, but that will never be.
“She was my role model, my roommate, my sister, my lookalike, my position mate, and my best friend. We shared a lot with her, I feel left alone,” Wacu said.
“I was planning to come to see you (Wanja) but I guess now I will come for your burial. I’m sad and hurt,” Wacu told Nation Sport on the phone from Seychelles.
Wacu left the Kenya Prisons Volleyball team for Seychellois club Anse Royale Volleyball Team in 2021, then left to join league rivals Cascade in 2022. Before joining Anse Royale, Wacu played professional volleyball for clubs in Dubai and France.
Wacu says their friendship has come a long way. They first met as players for their respective teams at the 2002 secondary school national championships held at Kakamega High School. At the time, the late Wanja was a Form Four student at Mukhumu Girls High School in Kakamega, and Wacu was a Form One student at Tetu Girls High School in Nyeri. Both schools have dominated secondary school volleyball competitions at the national level for years.
Kenya national volleyball team star setters Janet Wanja (right) and Jane Wacu listen to instructions from coach David Lung'aho at Brookhouse School gymnasium on August 6, 2011.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Their next meeting was in 2004 during a national volleyball league match at Kamukunji grounds in Nyeri County. Wanja had already joined Kenya Pipeline, but Wacu was a Form Three student at Tetu Girls High School.
Wacu would then join Wanja at Kenya Pipeline in 2006. At the time, Kenya Pipeline’s established setter hierarchy featured first-choice players Rhoda Liyali, Judith Serenge, and Wanja, so Wacu understudied the three for three months. Wacu would then leave Kenya Pipeline for Kenya Prisons to take up a permanent job, but Wanja stayed behind. Wacu is a Senior Sergeant at Kenya Prisons Service.
Yesterday, Kenyans woke up to the sad news of Wanja’s death. The 40-year-old veteran setter died of gallbladder cancer at 10 pm on Thursday in Nairobi.
“The family of Janet Wanja would like to announce her passing after a brave battle with cancer. Our sincere and deepest gratitude goes out to the Kenya Pipeline Company for walking the journey with us from the beginning, and tirelessly providing all she needed in medical support. A special thank you to all our friends, the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOCK) and Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Further updates shall be provided,” Kimani, who plays for Mathare United in the Kenyan Premier League, said in a statement yesterday morning.
Wanja has been undergoing treatment at MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi. In the final days of her life, she was put on palliative care at her house in Kasarani, Nairobi. Her body has been moved to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home on Mbagathi Way, Nairobi.
Yesterday, President William Ruto joined other leaders, current and former players, captains, coaches and volleyball administrators in paying tribute to the long-serving setter.
“Janet Wanja, a gifted and disciplined volleyball star, served the cause of our country’s sports with honour and dedication. She was focused, hardworking and a team player. May her family, friends and the wider sports fraternity find comfort at this difficult time. We are praying for them at this tough and difficult time. One day, we will beat cancer. Rest in peace, Wanja,” President William Ruto wrote on X.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said: “Wanja’s prowess as a volleyball player and later as a trainer will forever be etched in the history of Kenyan sports. It is a source of inspiration for present and future generations of sportsmen and women.”
Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of our departed volleyball legend. May Wanja’s soul find eternal peace and rest.
“Janet Wanja has left an indelible mark on our sports. Her remarkable talent and passion for volleyball will forever be celebrated and remembered with gratitude. Our heartfelt love and prayers go out to her family, friends and the many fans whose lives she touched and inspired. Rest in peace, Wanja,” First Lady Rachel Ruto said.
“We mourn the loss of iconic setter Janet Wanja Mungai, a true legend who served Kenyan volleyball with unmatched passion and dedication. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations. Rest in peace, hero,” the Kenya Volleyball Federation said.
“Gone too soon champ. Your contribution to volleyball in Kenya and the sports industry was immense and will never go unnoticed. Rest in peace, champion and legend. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult period,” Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga said.
“Rest in peace champ,” Africa 100 metres record holder Ferdinand Omanyala wrote on X.
“Sending my heartfelt condolences to Janet Wanja’s family, friends, and everyone @Kenya Volleyball. Rest in peace Wanja. Your contribution to volleyball and your enduring spirit will never be forgotten,” former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama wrote on X.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May her soul rest in peace,” Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the legendary Janet Wanja, a former volleyball star who has left us after battling cancer. Your legacy will forever be cherished,” said Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former volleyball star Janet Wanja, who has sadly passed away after a battle with cancer. Her impact on the sport will forever be remembered, may her soul find tranquility,” former Harambee Stars player and FKF vice president, McDonald Mariga, said.
“FKF deeply mourns the passing of Janet Wanja, a true sports icon whose passion and dedication inspired generations. Her legacy will forever be remembered. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the entire sports fraternity. May her soul rest in peace,” FKF posted on X.
“It is with utter shock that we have learnt about the demise of Janet Wanja, a celebrated volleyball star who fought valiantly against cancer. As we grapple with this heartbreaking loss, we send our deepest sympathies to her family and the volleyball fraternity. May you find comfort in knowing she lived a life that touched many and her unwavering spirit on and off the court is an inspiration to many. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Aden Duale wrote on X.
“It’s with deep sorrow that we have learnt of the untimely demise of Kenya's volleyball queen Janet Wanja. Condolences and prayers to her family, our team captain Michael Mutinda, the Kenya volleyball fraternity and the whole of Kenya sports family,” KCB Football Club wrote on X.
