- Janet Wanja died on Thursday night after battling gall bladder cancer.
- Her brother Kevin Kimani broke the sad news.
- Wanja was one of the greatest setters to have ever played for the Kenya national women’s volleyball team.
Former Kenya national women’s volleyball team player Janet Wanja has succumbed to gall bladder cancer.
The sad news was broken on Thursday night by her brother Kevin Kimani, who currently plays professional football at the Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Mathare United.
“The family of Janet Wanja would like to announce her passing on after a brave battle with gall bladder 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 terms of medical support,” stated Kimani.
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The experienced player ended by thanking all the people who stood with the family as well as sports bodies for their support.
“Special thank you to all our friends, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) and Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Further updates will be provided in due course,” he ended.
On his part, the KVF President Charles Nyaberi has described the late Wanja as one of a kind player.
“Janet’s contribution to the federation and sports, in general, were extraordinary. She was dedicated, passionate and incredibly talented player who represented both her club and country at the highest continental and global levels for over two decades.
The volleyball fraternity has lost a hero, but Janet’s legacy will live on. Her dedication and passion will continue to inspire future generations of volleyball players. May Janet Wanja Mungai’s valiant soul rest in eternal peace,” Nyaberi’s condolence message read in part.
Wanja’s remarkable career
The late Wanja had a decorated Volleyball career that saw her represent Kenya in different international competitions including the Olympic Games.
The Mukumu Girls High School product featured in the Malkia Strikers squad for nearly 20 years and managed to help the team win various titles.
Some of the trophies Wanja won with the team include three All African Games titles, one World Grand Prix title and five African Nations Championships titles.
She was also part of the Malkia Strikers team that took part in the 2004 Olympic Games that was staged in Athens, Greece.
At the club level, Wanja, who died at the age of 40, played for various clubs including the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Kenya Pipeline.
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