The Kenyan sports community is in mourning following the announcement of the death of Janet Wanja, a revered figure in volleyball, who succumbed to gallbladder cancer while undergoing treatment in a Nairobi hospital.
Wanja, known affectionately as the “Valley Baller,” was a former setter for the Malkia Strikers, Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team, where she had also transitioned to a role as a fitness trainer. Her battle with cancer came to light a few months prior, casting a shadow over her vibrant career and the sports scene in Kenya.
Diagnosed with gallbladder cancer shortly after the Paris Olympics, where she served as a pivotal part of the team’s technical bench, Wanja’s illness was confirmed by her family, who had since been appealing for emotional support and prayers from the public. Despite the support, the disease proved relentless, leading to her untimely death at the age of 42.
Her legacy in volleyball is not only marked by her skill on the court but also by her role in inspiring a generation of athletes. Her journey from an international player to a coach and mentor has been celebrated by many, including notable figures like Victor Wanyama and MacDonald Mariga, who visited her family during her treatment to offer support.
Tributes have poured in from across the nation and the sports world, highlighting her contributions to volleyball, her grace under pressure, and her fight against cancer. “Janet was more than a player; she was a beacon of hope and strength,” one tribute read on social media, echoing the sentiments of many who knew her.
Wanja’s career was illustrious, having first represented Kenya at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 and continuing to be a key player for the national team and Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Club. Her transition to coaching after retiring in 2017 was seen as a natural progression, bringing her tactical acumen and experience to the next generation of players.
The volleyball community, fans, and the nation at large are now coming together in grief, remembering Janet Wanja not only for her athletic prowess but for her courage in the face of adversity. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by her family in the coming days, with many already planning to honor her memory in a manner befitting her contributions to Kenyan sports.
