On Friday, Kenyans woke up to the sad news of the death of women’s volleyball star Janet Wanja.
The 40-year-old veteran setter died of gallbladder cancer at 10pm on Thursday (December 26) in Nairobi.
“The family of Janet Wanja would like to announce her passing on 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 on Friday 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.
On Friday, President William Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki led government officials, current and former players, captains, coaches and volleyball administrators to pay glowing 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 has condoled with the family following the death of the veteran volleyballer.
“A volleyball star and national sports icon has rested. Janet Wanja will be remembered for her exemplary and flamboyant display on the volleyball courts; locally and beyond the borders. For over two decades, she carried our flag with pride and patriotism, representing our Country in the continental and global volleyball arena with utmost dedication and commitment,”
“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,” Prof Kindiki added.
“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 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 tranquillity,” 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 heart-breaking 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.
