Former volleyball star Janet Wanja diagnosed with cancer - family says

Former Kenya women’s national volleyball team setter Janet Wanja has been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, her family notified the public on Monday 9 December.

Wanja, 40, as per a medical update by his brother Kevin Kimani who plies his trade at Mathare United, has been unwell for the past four months and is currently undergoing treatment in Nairobi.

“On behalf of the family, we hereby request for your emotional support during this difficult time even as we pray for her quick recovery,” the family statement read, adding that further updates on her progress would be given in due course.

Gallbladder cancer is a growth of cells that begins in the gallbladder - a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the belly, just beneath the liver.

As per the National Cancer Institute, the condition is difficult to detect and diagnose, as people rarely have signs or symptoms in the early stages.

The news comes as a shock to the public, who watched Wanja, a renowned volleyball star, make her return to the game as a fitness trainer for the women’s national team - Malkia Strikers - during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

In her role, Wanja was brought on to add invaluable experience, fresh perspective and insight to the team's training regimen, while guiding the side with valuable on-court advice emblematic of her successful playing career.

Paris 2024: Wanja tips young Malkia Strikers squad to change Kenya's narrative

Wanja, an alumnus of Mukumu Girls High School, played for KCB from 2004 to 2005, before she made a move to Pipeline, where she continued to showcase her talent until 2019.

In that span, she secured five Africa Nations Championships, three All-African Games titles, and the World Grand Prix title.

At the national level, Wanja made it to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, as a player, before switching roles for the 2024 Games.

“Janet has been bravely battling gallbladder cancer for the past four months. Throughout her life, she has inspired us with her courage and tenacity, and now, she needs our collective support more than ever,” the family statement read.

Janet is receiving treatment in Nairobi, and the path ahead is challenging. However, with your help, we believe she can find the strength to overcome this adversity.

We kindly ask for your emotional support during this difficult time. Your messages of hope, words of encouragement, and expressions of love will provide Janet with the strength and positivity she needs.

Let us come together to support Janet as she has supported and inspired so many of us. Your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your unwavering support and for standing with Janet in her time of need.”