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Janet Wanja, one of the most well known volleyball players from Kenya, succumbed to gallbladder cancer on December 26, 2024. Wanja reportedly fell ill after returning from the Paris Olympics, where she served as the Malkia Strikers' fitness trainer.
Wanja, the 40-year-old setter from Nairobi, was an alum of the Mukumu Girls High School. She played for the Kenya Pipeline Company and Kenya Commercial Bank and led the Kenyan national team to victory at the Women's African Volleyball Championships in 2007. She continued her momentum at the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix Group 3, winning the finals over Peru, but an ordeal ended her 2016 Rio Olympics bid.
Wanja played for the Malkia strikers for over a decade before stepping up as the women's volleyball team's trainer. Besides the Paris Games, she accompanied the Malkia Strikers to the World Challenger Cup in the Philippines.
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After Paris, she was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. Wanja tragically passed away on December 26, 2024. Her brother and footballer Kevin Kimani confirmed the news of her untimely passing on social media. The message read:
"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. Special thank you to all our friends, Kenya volleyball Federation (KVF), National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOCK) and Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Further updates shall be provided," the Mathare United player said. (via Nation Africa)
Janet Wanja was undergoing treatment at Nairobi's MP Shah Hospital.
The Kenya Volleyball Federation President and Kenyan President sent their heartfelt condolences to Janet Wanja's family
Janet Wanja's passing left the entire nation in mourning. The President of Kenya, William Ruto, sent heartfelt condolences to the 40-year-old's family in a statement, saying:
"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." (via NTV Kenya)
Charles Nyaberi, the Kenya Volleyball Federation President, extended his condolences to the volleyball player's family as well.
"The Kenya Volleyball Federation is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved star, iconic veteran setter Janet Wanja Mungai, after a courageous battle with gallbladder cancer. Janet’s contributions to the Federation and sports, in general, were extraordinary. She was a dedicated, passionate, and incredibly talented player who represented both her club and country at the highest continental and global levels for over two decades." (via NTV Kenya)
Janet Wanja represented her country at the 2004 Summer Olympics, finishing eleventh with the Kenya women's national team.
