Kenyan volleyball legend Janet Wanja has passed away at the age of 40 after a valiant battle with gallbladder cancer, her family confirmed on Friday, December 27.
The veteran setter, who formerly represented Kenya Pipeline and the national team, succumbed to her illness on Thursday night. Her body has been moved to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home in Nairobi.
In a heartfelt statement, her brother Kevin Kimani, a footballer for Mathare United in the Kenyan Premier League, expressed the family’s gratitude for the support received during her illness.
“The family of Janet Wanja wishes to announce that she has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Our sincere and deepest gratitude goes to the Kenya Pipeline Company for being with us from the beginning and tirelessly providing all the medical support she needed. Special thanks to all our friends, the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), the National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOCK) and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Further updates will be provided,” the statement read.
Wanja, a product of Mukumu Girls High School and a star for both Kenya Pipeline and KCB, transitioned into coaching after retiring from an illustrious career spanning over two decades.
She served as a trainer for the Kenyan women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the World Challenger Cup in the Philippines.
Wanja, a key figure in the country’s celebrated Malkia Strikers volleyball team, was receiving palliative care at the time of her death. Tributes have poured in from across the volleyball and sports communities, with many highlighting her exceptional contribution to the sport.
President William Ruto Pays Tribute
President William Ruto led the nation in paying tribute to the late athlete. In a statement, Ruto recognised Wanja’s extraordinary impact on Kenyan sports, praising her as a disciplined and talented volleyball player who brought pride to the country. He expressed his condolences to her family, friends, and the entire sports community, offering them strength during this challenging time.
“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 it be comfort to her family, friends, and the wider sports fraternity that we are praying for them at this tough and difficult time. One day, we will beat cancer. Rest in Peace, Wanja,” the President’s statement read.
KVF President Charles Nyaberi described her as “an extraordinary talent and a passionate ambassador for volleyball.” He added that her legacy would continue to inspire generations.
Teammates, coaches, and sports figures remembered Wanja as a role model and an indomitable spirit. Jane Wacu, a fellow volleyballer, called her “a sister, a mentor, and a best friend,” while captain Trizah Atuka described her as “a go-getter who always prioritised team success.”
The Confederation of Africa Volleyball (CAVB) and its president, Bouchra Hajij, also mourned her passing, praising her as a luminary in African volleyball whose influence extended beyond her playing years.
