I first met Janet Wanja back in the 90s, just after she had sat her KCPE exams, through Coach Juma Walukhu of Kahawa Garrison, who was fundraising for her to join secondary school. At that time, I had just begun my private practice in Westlands. We pooled some money for her to join Kahawa Secondary School, but it wasn’t enough. However, the relentless Coach Juma got her admitted to Mukumu Girls due to her exceptional volleyball prowess.
Janet Wanja would grow into one of the finest setters in volleyball, dominating the position for many years. Her contributions to the sport and her role as a trailblazing female athlete have left an indelible mark on Kenyan sports. Volleyball has lost a great role model, a rare sporting talent, and an icon.
Eternal rest, Janet Wanja. My deepest condolences go out to her family, fellow volleyballers, and the entire sporting fraternity in Kenya.
Wanja who has been battling gall bladder cancer passed on Thursday night in Nairobi and her body was moved to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home in Nairobi, along Mbagathi road, Nairobi