President Ruto, Daddy Owen, Gidi Gidi mourn Janet Wanja

President William Ruto has joined other Kenyans in mourning the demise of legendary volleyballer Janet Wanja.

Wanja passed away after a battle with gallbladder cancer.

In his message, President Ruto eulogized Wanja as a gifted and disciplined volleyball star who served the cause of our country’s sports with honour and dedication.

“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,” read President William Ruto’s message.

Media Personality Caroll Radull also mourned Wanja with a message that says; “Sad News: Kenyan Volleyball Star Janet Wanja, a former Malkia Strikers fitness trainer, has passed away after battling gallbladder cancer. Our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones 🙏🏽 So sad 😭😭💔💔💔,”.

Gidi Gidi

Gidi wacha tudance na Marie-Rose yawa” These are the last photos n videos that I took with Janet Wanja just 4 months ago at the Paris Olympics.

This life is just so unpredictable. We’ve lost a charming sports personality with kind heart.

Dance with the angels Wanja. I will always remember you with this dance with my daughter. Rest in eternal peace 🙏

Miss Katiwa

“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 💔

Daddy Owen

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 @k.kimanik10 . Rest easy, Wanja. You were truly one of a kind. R.I.P Wanja

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.