Emotions run high at Janet Wanja's memorial service (PHOTOS)
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 02.01.25. | 15:25
At one moment, Fly Like an Angel by Berres Hammond was played as a touching tribute to her love for reggae music
The air was heavy at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday, 2 January as mourners paid their last respects to former Malkia Strikers setter Janet Wanja.
Wanja passed away on Thursday, 26 December after a battle with gallbladder cancer.
The memorial service was attended by Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) President Charles Nyaberi, KVF Deputy President Paul Bitok, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Sasha Mutai, Team Kenya CEO Wanjiru Mbugua, former Kenya 7s star Humphrey Kayange, sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala among others.
The ceremony began with a sombre mood but the choir helped make a difference with their sweet melodies.
Then, family members and former teammates brought the coffin inside, a deeply moving moment that brought many in attendance to tears.
In a touching tribute, Malkia Strikers and Kenya Pipeline players served volleyballs, representing Wanja's passion for the sport at her beloved venue.
After the heartfelt gesture, they paid their final respects and took their seats.
The preacher then took the stage and delivered a powerful sermon that resonated deeply with the mourners.
Drawing from the scriptures, he spoke of hope, resilience, and the promise of eternal rest.
At one moment, Fly Like an Angel by Berres Hammond was played as a touching tribute to her love for reggae music.
Then came the time for tribute.
Kenya Cancer Institute Chairman Timothy Olweni, though never having met Wanja, expressed a shared sense of loss.
On behalf of the Ministry of Health, he emphasized honoring Wanja's memory and learning from the experience.
Olweni stressed the importance of cancer screening for early detection, noting the disease's devastating impact on lives and families.
Wanja's former captain, Mercy Moim, gave a touching tribute, recalling their shared journey.
"We met in high school and later became Malkia Strikers teammates," she said.
Moim described Wanja as "a sister, a friend, a good person, and an incredible player," whose discipline and guidance has partly enabled her play the game for 19 years.
Recalling their time during the All African Games qualifiers, Moim celebrated Wanja's faith, finding comfort in knowing she's at peace.
"You'll forever be in my heart because I truly believe you're still with me," she concluded.
From Turkey, Sharon Chepchumba sent a heartfelt tribute, honoring Wanja for her mentorship and unwavering support.
"It pains me deeply that I cannot be there to pay you my last respects. But I know you are resting, and one day, I will see you again," Chumba said, promising to make her proud forever.
Veteran coach Juma Walukhu shared a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on Wanja’s journey from a promising talent to a celebrated superstar.
Walukhu recounted how he secured her a scholarship at Mukumu Girls and later guided her to further opportunities in Uganda.
"I took Wanja from the grassroots and nurtured her, knowing she had something special. Seeing her growth and success has been one of my greatest joys as a coach," Walukhu recalled.
Kenya Volleyball Federation Vice President Bitok described Wanja as a player, a friend, and a symbol of volleyball excellence.
"Together with Jane Wacu, they won countless titles for Kenya, becoming one of the best duos in our volleyball history," he said.
Ferdinand Omanyala, visibly moved, shared heartfelt memories of Wanja, recalling the light-hearted videos they made together in Paris during the Olympics.
"Little did I know that I’d soon be reading a tribute to a friend and mentor," he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) President Nyaberi also honored Wanja and expressed condolences from the KVF and the sports fraternity.
"I first knew her in 2001 when I was elected as President. She started as an attacker before transitioning to a setter, facing opponents with tenacity despite her young age," Nyaberi mourned.
Shadrack Muluki, Team Kenya’s Chef de Mission in Paris Olympics, paid his tributes with a powerful wish.
"May the Malkia Strikers strike gold in the 2028 Olympics in honor of Wanja," he said.
More tributes poured in from her friends, Mukumu Girls alumni, and Kenya Pipeline representatives.
She will be laid to rest on Friday, 3 January, at Lang’ata Cemetery.
