NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan sports community is in mourning following the death of volleyball icon Janet Wanja, who succumbed to gallbladder cancer.
Wanja’s passing was confirmed by her brother, Kevin Kimani, who expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the family has received during her illness.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janet Wanja after a brave battle with cancer,” Kimani said in a radio interview.
He extended special thanks to Kenya Pipeline Company, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), the National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOCK), and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for their unwavering support.
Wanja, 39, fell ill in August shortly after returning from the Paris Olympics, where she had been serving as the fitness trainer for the Malkia Strikers, Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team.
Her illustrious career included representing Kenya at the 2004 Athens Olympics and clinching the Women’s African Volleyball Championship in 2007 with the Malkia Strikers.
In addition to her accolades, Wanja was known for her charisma and dedication, becoming a role model for many in Kenya’s sports fraternity.
Just days before her passing, former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama visited Wanja’s family alongside FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga, former national team coach Francis Kimanzi, and other sports figures to show their support.
Wanja’s passing was confirmed by her brother, Kevin Kimani, who expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the family has received during her illness.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janet Wanja after a brave battle with cancer,” Kimani said in a radio interview.
He extended special thanks to Kenya Pipeline Company, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), the National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOCK), and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for their unwavering support.
Wanja, 39, fell ill in August shortly after returning from the Paris Olympics, where she had been serving as the fitness trainer for the Malkia Strikers, Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team.
Her illustrious career included representing Kenya at the 2004 Athens Olympics and clinching the Women’s African Volleyball Championship in 2007 with the Malkia Strikers.
In addition to her accolades, Wanja was known for her charisma and dedication, becoming a role model for many in Kenya’s sports fraternity.
Just days before her passing, former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama visited Wanja’s family alongside FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga, former national team coach Francis Kimanzi, and other sports figures to show their support.
