Lengendary Volleyball star Janet Wanja succumbs to Cancer

Kenyan volleyballer and former Malkia Strikers player Janet Wanja has passed away after a long battle with gallbladder cancer.

Wanja’s death was brother by her brother Kevin Kimani.

“The family of Janet Wanja would like to announce her passing on after a brave battle with gallbladder cancer,” Kevin Kimani shared.

He went in to thank family and friends who supported them during Wanja’s sickness.

“Our sincere and deepest gratitude goes out to Kenya Pipeline Company for walking the journey with us from the beginning and tirelessly providing all she needed in terms of medical support,”

“Special thank you to all our friends, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOCK) and Football Kenya Federation (FKF),” he added.

Kimani said further updates shall be provided later

Wanja fell ill in August shortly after returning from the Paris Olympics, where she served as the Malkia Strikers’ fitness trainer.

The talented volleyball player represented Kenya in the 2004 Olympics in Athens and also won the Women’s African Volleyball Championship with Malkia Strikers in 2007 among many other individual accolades during her time in the game.

The news of her demise has been followed by swift condolences from popular Kenyans in the sporting world.

Harambee Stars Captain Micheal Olunga said “Gone too soon champ Your contribution to Volleyball in Kenya and the sports industry was immense and will never go unnoticed rest in peace champ, legend. Thoughts are with her family during this difficult period.”

Musician Daddy Owen said “ I’m deeply saddened to share the loss of another cherished friend. RIP Wanja. You will forever be remembered as an exceptional and flamboyant volleyball player, whose legacy shines brightly in the history of Kenyan sports.”

“Your name will always be etched in the annals of Kenya’s sporting achievements. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family and friends, especially to your brother Kimani. Rest easy, Wanja. You were truly one of a kind.”

Wanja’ s death come barely days after former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama visited the family to support the ailing  Volleyball star accompanied by his brother and FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga, former national team coach Francis Kimanzi, and several of his former teammates.

Radio personality Miss Katiwa wrote;

“Janet Wanja, a Volleyball Legend for Malkia Strikers who represented us both Locally and Internationally, how you represented alot of women who once /still aspire to be gems in the sports World,.we’re grateful to have experienced your life journey with us. Thank you for putting our country on the map on a sport that is not much celebrated. The other Day I was just speaking about you with your Brother Kim and today it’s a different story 💔. I can’t imagine the pain your family is going through😕.

“Am sorry if we didn’t cheer or support you enough, thank you for what you did and done for this country 🇰🇪 👑🙏, Deamnn..death is such a cruel thing 😢 huh. Rip Wanja and my deepest condolences to the family and friends. The sports Fraternity has lost a good one 💔,”.