Kenyan president William Ruto has joined the nation in mourning the passing of celebrated volleyball legend Janet Wanja. The 40-year-old veteran setter, who was playing for Kenyan national team, Malkia Strikers, died on Thursday, December 26, at 10pm after a brave battle with cancer. According to her family, Wanja succumbed to gallbladder cancer while receiving palliative care. In his heartfelt tribute, Ruto lauded Wanja’s immense contribution to Kenyan sports, describing her as a disciplined and gifted volleyball star. “Janet Wanja, a gifted and disciplined volleyball star, served the cause of our country’s sports with honour and dedication,” the president said in an X post. “She was focused, hardworking, and a team player. 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,” he added. Wanja, who had a glittering career spanning over two decades, worked as a coach for the Kenyan women's volleyball national team, a role she took on earlier this year after retiring from the game. She accompanied the team to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the 2024 World Challenger Cup in the Philippines. A product of former national secondary school volleyball champions Mukumu Girls High School, she began her illustrious club career with KCB before joining Kenya Pipeline. Wanja has been undergoing treatment at MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi.
