Bye bye Wanja: Volleyball star eulogised in emotional service
What you need to know:
- A private funeral for the fallen star will be held Friday at the Lang’ata Cemetery in Nairobi.
- Four months ago, the star was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer, a few weeks after returning home from the Paris 2024 Olympics where she had travelled as the Malika Strikers team trainer.
History played out Thursday when a memorial service was held for departed volleyball star Janet Wanja at MISC Kasarani, Nairobi.
It was the first time such a service, more so for a sports personality was being held at the iconic facility.
The memorial service was attended by many sports leaders to celebrate the life of the setter who had an illustrious club and international career.
Malkia Strikers' Loice Simiyu (centre) is consoled by teammates during late Janet Wanja's memorial service on January 2, 2025 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani indoor Gymnasium.
Among those present were the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) president Charles Nyaberi and National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) officials Shadrack Maluki (deputy president) and Francis Mutuku (secretary), the Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Office of the President, Dennis Itumbi as well as the Secretary Administration for Sports, Evans Achoki.
Also present was the Kenya women’s head coach Japheth Munala, former long-time head coach David Lung’aho, KVF vice presidents Paul Bitok and Mududa Waweru, active and retired players, as well as siblings of the deceased, her parents, friends, and other family members.
President William Ruto sent his condolences read by Achoki.
Former Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Club players carry the remains of late Janet Wanja after her memorial service on January 2, 2025 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani indoor Gymnasium.
“Kenya has lost a great person who inspired others in sports. She was humble, tireless, focused, and team-oriented,” said Ruto. He sent a contribution of Sh500,000 to the family that was matched by the Sports Ministry.
Wanja died of cancer on December 26 aged 40. She played for Malkia Strikers for 15 years and was praised for her contribution and passion for volleyball.
“Wanja was volleyball and volleyball was Wanja because she loved the game so much,” said Maluki.
Wanja’s brother Kevin Kimani and sister Linda Mungai each eulogized her as “someone important and they don’t know how they will live without his presence”.
“I have lost my elder sister and my best friend,” said the ex-international footballer Kimani.
“It’s painful when I remember the medals and trophies that she had kept at her house and now she’s no more,” Kimani said.
Janet Wanja's parents, Mama Sarah Mungai (in Black Cap), and John Mungai (Red tie) follow proceedings during her memorial service on January 2, 2025 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani indoor Gymnasium.
Simon Kiruthi, the elder brother, said, “I have lost my sister who I would often use her name so that people would know me.”
“I have lost a close friend, roommate, and someone very special to me,” said former national team setter and team-mate Jane Wacu moments after landing from the Seychelles.
Wacu added that since she received the passing on of Wanja, she has been drinking to reduce her thoughts.
Wanja’s mother Sarah Mungai said that her daughter was not dead but sleeping at a good place because she had received Jesus Christ.
“When we met at Mukumu Girls High School, we talked a lot and later she made me join volleyball,” Wacu disclosed.
She also acknowledged that when playing for Malkia Strikers as setters, they would fight for the position but continued to be best friends.
Malkia Strikers setter Jane Wacu speaks during late Janet Wanja's memorial service on January 2, 2025 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani indoor Gymnasium.
Wacu gave Wanja a nickname as “Kasmo” while she nicknamed hers “Kasmoo”.
A private funeral for the fallen star will be held Friday at the Lang’ata Cemetery in Nairobi.
Four months ago, the star was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer, a few weeks after returning home from the Paris 2024 Olympics where she had travelled as the Malika Strikers team trainer.
