NAIROBI, Kenya, January 3, 2025 – Tears flowed freely as family and friends gathered to say their goodbyes to volleyball icon Janet Wanja at the Lang’ata Cemetery on Friday afternoon.
The burial ceremony was a private one, attended by her close friends, including former Malkia Strikers teammates and Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) officials — in addition to family members.
The ceremony was preceded by a memorial service at the Kasarani Gymnasium on Thursday during which the 40-year-old was eulogised as a passionate and persistent professional who was ever easy-going and friendly towards all.
Wanja died on the night of December 26 after a long battle with cancer of the gallbladder.
Her last service to the nation was at the Paris Olympics where she was fitness trainer for the Malkia Strikers.
The Mukumu Girls High School alumnus leaves behind an indelible legacy that includes five African titles, one Olympic appearance as a player (2004 Athens) and one World Grand Prix title in 2015.
She was also thrice crowned the best setter at the African Championships (2007, 2014 and 2015).
Fare thee well, our volleyball heroine.
