- Decorated Malkia Strikers setter Janet Wanja has passed away at 40 after a brave battle with gallbladder cancer, her family announced
- Wanja, who was instrumental in shaping Kenyan volleyball, succumbed to the rare illness while receiving palliative care at her home in Nairobi
- By the time of her death, the Kenya Pipeline Company had generously stepped in to cover her medical bills
Decorated Malkia Strikers setter Janet Wanja has succumbed to gallbladder cancer, her family announced early Friday morning.
Wanja, who was 40 years old, passed away at her home in Nairobi while under palliative care, bringing an end to a life marked by relentless passion and extraordinary contributions to Kenyan volleyball.
The tragic news was shared by her younger brother, Kevin Kimani, a prominent footballer currently on loan at Mathare United, in a heartfelt social media post.
“The family of Janet Wanja would like to announce her passing on after a brave battle with gallbladder cancer. 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,” Kimani wrote.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
He extended his gratitude to the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), and Football Kenya Federation (FKF), among others, for their unwavering support.
Janet Wanja’s battle with the rare cancer began just months ago, shortly after her triumphant return from the Paris Olympics, where she served as a trainer for the Malkia Strikers.
See Also:
1: Kenyans Mourn as Viral Super Metro Conductor Dies at KNH
2: Look Up TV Closes After Six Years of Broadcasting
The diagnosis marked a heartbreaking chapter in her storied life, forcing the beloved volleyball legend to retreat from public life as her health deteriorated.
Kenya Volleyball Federation president Charles Nyaberi mourned the passing of a true icon, calling her contributions “extraordinary.”
“Janet’s dedication, passion, and incredible talent represented the pinnacle of volleyball in Kenya. She was a trailblazer, a hero, and a mentor. Her leadership was instrumental, both as a player and as a trainer, in shaping the Malkia Strikers into a force to be reckoned with on the global stage,” Nyaberi said.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
Born and raised in Kakamega County, Wanja’s volleyball journey began at Mukumu Girls High School before she launched her illustrious club career with KCB.
She later moved to Kenya Pipeline, where she became a symbol of excellence for nearly 15 years.
Her accolades were as numerous as they were significant: five African Nations Championships, three All Africa Games titles, a World Grand Prix crown—the first-ever for an African team—and six World Championship appearances.
Wanja retired in 2019 to focus on coaching, but her passion for the sport never waned, culminating in her role as a trainer during the Paris Olympics.
Despite her formidable achievements, Janet Wanja was known for her warmth and humility, qualities that endeared her to teammates, opponents, and fans alike.
The family has promised to share further details, including funeral arrangements, in due course.
