Kenya’s volleyball sensation and former Olympian, Janet Wanja, has sadly passed away. Her family confirmed on Friday morning that the 40-year-old athlete lost her brave battle with gallbladder cancer.
She had been receiving treatment at M.P. Shah Hospital.
“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,” her brother Kevin Kimani said.
In his message, Charles Nyaberi, President of the Kenya Volleyball Federation, stated that the Federation and the sports community have lost a dedicated, passionate, and talented player who represented both her club and country with unwavering commitment at the highest continental and global levels for more than two decades.
“Wanja, a product of the perennial National Schools Champions Mukumu Girls’ High School, debuted her club career with KCB before moving to her mainstay and current club, Kenya Pipeline,” Nyaberi noted.
Earlier this year, Janet transitioned to the role of Malkia Strikers Team Trainer and was part of the technical team that led the country’s Volleyball team to both the Paris Olympics and the World Challenger Cup in the Philippines.
“The Federation is most thankful to Wanja’s Employer, Kenya Pipeline Company for footing all the high cost of maintaining her at both MP Shah Hospital and the subsequent home care,” the Federation added.
The family and the volleyball fraternity also expressed their gratitude to the National Olympic Committee, Football Kenya Federation, and the wider Kenyan sports community for their support of Wanja during her illness.
