A look into volleyball queen Janet Wanja's glittering 40-year legacy

In 40 years, Janet Wanja has imprinted her name on Kenya’s history books and it is no wonder that her untimely demise after four months of battling gallbladder cancer has sent shockwaves in the country.

A heartbreaking message from her brother, Mathare United’s midfielder Kevin Kimani on the early morning of Thursday 27 December confirmed the death of the Malkia Strikers’ trainer and former player who was also part of the Kenya Pipeline coaching staff.

“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,” the message on social media reads in part.

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Wanja’s journey in volleyball can be traced back to Mukumu Girls where she honed her skills as a setter at a young age before joining Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) in 2004, staying one more year before moving to Pipeline where she became a fan favourite, retiring in 2019.

At the national team level, Wanja made it to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, as a player at the tender age of 20. She went on to secure five Africa Nations Championships, three All-African Games titles, and the World Grand Prix title.

Wanja would have made it to the 2016 Rio Olympics but a boycott incident when the team played the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix in Canberra over unpaid allowances saw the assistant and fellow team captain Brackcides Agala snubbed.

She made a comeback to Malkia Strikers earlier in the year as a trainer, travelling with the team to the World Challenger Cup in the Philippines and the Paris Games. She was her jovial self at the Games but was soon diagnosed with the ailment shortly after.

Kenyans, led by Head of State William Ruto have taken to social media to mourn with the sporting fraternity. “A gifted and disciplined volleyball star served the cause of our country’s sports with honour and dedication. She was focused, hardworking and a team player.

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May it be comfort to her family, friends, and the wider sports fraternity that we are praying for them at this tough and difficult time. One day, we will beat cancer. Rest in Peace, Wanja,” the President’s message reads. 

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) president Charles Nyaberi writes, “Janet's contributions to the Federation and sports, in general, were extraordinary.

She was a dedicated, passionate, and incredibly talented player who represented both her club and country at the highest continental and global levels for over two decades.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Janet's employer, Kenya Pipeline Company, for their unwavering support in covering the high costs of her treatment at MP Shah Hospital and the subsequent home care.

We also appreciate the National Olympic Committee, FKF, and the Kenyan Sports Community for their emotional and moral support during this difficult time.

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.”

We at Mozzart Sport extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the volleyball ace, an icon gone too soon. RIP Wanja.  

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