'I feel left alone,' tributes pour in for Volleyball star Janet Wanja
Former Kenyan international Janet Wanja, now the women's team trainer at Nyayo National Stadium, was seen on January 11, 2024, as the team prepared for the All-African Games qualifiers.
Kenyan women's volleyball star Janet Wanja has died, her family has confirmed.
A statement from Wanja's brother Kevin Kimani on Friday, December 27, said the veteran setter, who also played for Kenya Pipeline, died at 10 pm on Thursday, December 26.
Her body has been moved to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home on Mbagathi Way in Nairobi.
Wanja, 40, had been suffering from gallbladder cancer.
Mathare United’s Kevin Kimani, the 2011 Kenyan Premier League Player of the Year, displays his trophies with his sister, Kenya national women’s volleyball team setter, Janet Wanja, at the 2011 KPL Gala Night.
"The family of Janet Wanja wishes to announce that she has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Our sincere and deepest gratitude goes to the Kenya Pipeline Company for being with us from the beginning and tirelessly providing all the medical support she needed. Special thanks to all our friends, the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), the National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOCK) and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Further updates will be provided," Wanja's elder brother Kevin Kimani, who plays for Mathare United in the Kenyan Premier League, said in a statement.
Before her cancer diagnosis, Wanja served as Malkia Strikers team trainer at the Paris Olympic Games.
Kenya Volleyball Federation President Charles Nyaberi has condoled with the family following the death of the veteran volleyballer.
"The Kenya Volleyball Federation is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved star, iconic veteran setter Janet Wanja Mungai after a courageous battle with gall bladder cancer. Janet's contribution to the Federation and the sport in general was extraordinary. She was a dedicated, passionate and incredibly talented player who represented both club and country at the highest continental and global level for over two decades," Nyaberi said in a statement.
Wanja worked as a coach for the Kenyan women's volleyball team Malkia Strikers, a role she took on earlier this year after retiring from the game.
She accompanied the team to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the 2024 World Challenger Cup in the Philippines.
Former Kenyan international Janet Wanja, now the women's team trainer at Nyayo National Stadium, was seen on January 11, 2024, as the team prepared for the All-African Games qualifiers.
A product of former national secondary school volleyball champions Mukumu Girls High School, she began her illustrious club career with KCB before joining Kenya Pipeline.
Wanja has been undergoing treatment at MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi.
Tributes have been pouring in, and here are a few of them.
Seychelles-based Kenya women’s volleyball star Jane Wacu:
“She was my role model, my roommate, my sister, my lookalike, my position mate, and my best friend.
“We shared a lot with her…I feel left alone.”
“I was planning to come to see you but I guess now I will come for your burial. I’m sad and hurt,” Wacu said on phone from Seychelles.
Malkia Strikers captain Trizah Atuka said Wanja was a go-getter who would do anything to ensure a team posted good results in competition.
“She knew what to do, how and when. This will take forever to pass. Hard times and fond memories of her. This is tough to take. Rest in peace, champ.”
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga:
“Gone too soon champ. Your contribution to volleyball in Kenya, and the sports industry was immense and will never go unnoticed. Rest in peace, champion and legend. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult period.”
Confederation of Africa Volleyball (CAVB) Zone Five President Sadik Nasiwu:
“It is with profound sorrow that we, the Confédération Africaine de Volleyball - Zone V, extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Janet Wanja Mungai, a luminary in Kenyan and African volleyball. Janet was not only a remarkable player but also a beacon of inspiration and dedication to the sport.
Her contribution to volleyball have left an indelible mark, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. We stand with Kenyans in this time of grief and offer our deepest sympathies to Janet’s family, friends, and the entire volleyball community.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
Janet Wanja during the CAVB Africa Nations Championships match against Mauritius at Safaricom Indoor Arena on 12th June 2015.
Confederation of Africa Volleyball (CAVB) President Bouchra Hajij:
“Janet Wanja's demise is a great loss to African volleyball. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the CAVB and all national federations, and FIVB Executive Vice President, we express our sincere condolences to Janet’s family, and to all Kenyan volleyball fans and the federation who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. Her numerous awards at club level are a testament to her remarkable dedication and skill. After her playing career, Janet continued her contribution to volleyball, becoming the trainer of the Kenya women’s volleyball team. Among other things, she coached the team during the 2024 Challenge Cup, and prepared the players for the 2024 Paris Olympics. May the soul of Janet Wanja rest in eternal peace. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she inspired and in the volleyball community she helped build.”
Turkey-based Kenya women’s volleyball team opposite hitter Sharon Chepchumba: “I’d give my best day to play ball with you one more time superstar. Forever a part of the team, and always, always in our hearts. Rest well Champ.”
Former Kenya women’s volleyball team coach, and Kenya Volleyball Federation Technical Director David Lung’aho: “We are all saddened by the news of her passing on. My heartfelt condolences to the family, it’s a big loss to volleyball and sports in Kenya. RIP.”
Former Kenya women’s volleyball team libero Mildred Odwako:
“What a sad morning! My heart is shattered. My friend Janet, RIP. This will take forever to heal.”
Kenya women’s volleyball team outside hitter Meldine Sande:
“Rest easy, champ! So tough. Death, too, shall die one day. Rest in peace our legend.”
Kenya setter Janet Wanja reacts during the match against Senegal.
International referee Linet Omare:
“This is a very sad day. My condolences to the family, friends and volleyball fraternity. May the soul of our icon rest in eternal peace.”
Former Kenya women’s volleyball team captain Brackcides Agala:
“I’m shattered. I don’t know how well to mourn you. Rest in peace.”
Charles Nyaberi, Kenya Volleyball Federation president:
“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.”