Volleyball queen hailed as 'pillar and pacesetter' with lasting legacy

Malkia Strikers carry the casket bearing the remains of one of Kenya's greatest volleyballers the late Janet Wanja during the requiem mass at Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium, Nairobi, January 2, 2025. [Jonah Onyango، Standard]

It was a place all too familiar to Janet Wanja. On this court at the Moi International Sports Centre’s Kasarani Indoor Arena, the much-loved volleyball star thrilled the nation.

On Thursday, the atmosphere was somber as family, colleagues, and mourners gathered to bid their final farewell to the athlete whose dazzling skills and love for the game made watching her a true joy.

The Indoor Arena held special significance as the venue for Wanja’s final training session with the Malkia Strikers before their pre-Olympics camp in Miramar last July.

The memorial service drew hundreds of mourners, including former players, sporting officials, political figure.

Volleyball players formed honour guards at the entrance and on the court where they once practised together, creating a poignant tribute to their fallen teammate.

Wanja, who succumbed to gallbladder cancer on December 26 at her Kasarani home, leaves behind a legacy  spanning two decades in Kenyan volleyball. She was 40 years old.

Her colleagues in the game spoke of a legacy that would inspire generations to come.

Mercy Moim, who captained Wanja for more than a decade, fought back tears as she remembered her mentor: “I have lost a sister, a mentor, a coach, a senior player, and a family member. During practice, Wanja pushed us a lot. She encouraged me to be disciplined when I joined the national team.”

Coach Juma Walukhu, who nurtured Wanja’s talent from her early days, recalled training sessions where players lacked proper equipment but persevered, playing barefoot.

National team coach Paul Bitok, who guided Wanja after she completed her Form 6 studies in Uganda, praised her dedication and impact on Kenyan volleyball.

“Janet Wanja was an extraordinary individual whose immense talent and passion for volleyball touched lives worldwide,” said International Volleyball Federation president Fabio Azevedo.

Confederation of African Volleyball President Bushra Hajij stated that Africa had lost “an irreplaceable talent.”

Kenya Volleyball Federation President Charles Nyaberi described Wanja as a “trendsetter” within the national team.

Alongside her teammate and ‘twin sister’ Jane Wacu, she elevated Kenyan volleyball through her exceptional discipline and professionalism. Their distinctive style, both on and off the court, made them the sport’s most recognisable faces and outstanding ambassadors.”

President William Ruto celebrated Wanja as “one of the finest sportswomen who broke barriers to set records.”

Dr Timothy Olweny, chairman of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, used the occasion to raise awareness about cancer’s indiscriminate nature.

“Most people think cancer affects only the elderly or those who aren’t as fit as Wanja was.’’

Born on February 26, 1984, Wanja’s volleyball career reached its zenith when she represented Kenya at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. At the time of her passing, she had transitioned into a role as a fitness trainer for the Malkia Strikers and was part of the coaching staff for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Former teammate Roselyn Odhiambo shared an intimate glimpse into Wanja’s final days, recalling how Wanja openly spoke about her condition and how concerned she felt when hearing of her hospitalisation.

Sprint champion Ferdinand Omanyala described her as “a beacon of dedication.”

Wanja’s siblings — Linda Gachambi, Simon Kiruthi, Kevin Kimani, and Esther Muthoni — struggled to read their sister’s tribute recalling her loving nature.

The former national team setter will be laid to rest today in a private ceremony at Lang’ata Cemetery, Nairobi.