Tragic loss in African volleyball as Kenyan Volleyball Star Janet Wanja Dies at 40

Kenyan volleyball legend Janet Wanja has passed away at the age of 40 after a brave battle with gallbladder cancer. Her family confirmed her death on Friday, December 27, stating that she succumbed to the illness on Thursday night while receiving palliative care at her home in Nairobi.

Wanja, a former star for Kenya Pipeline and KCB, was a key player in Kenya’s national volleyball team, the Malkia Strikers, where she played as a setter for over two decades. She was known for her exceptional skills and leadership on the court, which helped elevate Kenya’s volleyball status both regionally and internationally.

In a statement, her brother Kevin Kimani, a Kenyan footballer for Mathare United, expressed the family’s gratitude for the support they received during her illness. He thanked the Kenya Pipeline Company, the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), and the National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOCK) for their unwavering support.

Wanja’s volleyball journey began at Mukumu Girls High School, and she went on to represent top clubs and the national team. After retiring, she transitioned into coaching and served as a trainer for the Malkia Strikers during the 2024 Paris Olympics and the World Challenger Cup in the Philippines.

Tributes have poured in from across the sports community. President William Ruto praised Wanja for her discipline and dedication, while KVF President Charles Nyaberi described her as “an extraordinary talent.” Fellow athletes like Jane Wacu and Trizah Atuka remembered her as a mentor and an inspiration.

Janet Wanja's legacy as both a player and coach will remain a source of inspiration for generations of Kenyan athletes.