Kenya's volleyball legend Janet Wanja dies
Wanja represented Kenya in the 2004 Olympics in Athens
8d agoTabnacha OdenyRealtime
Late volleyball player Janet Wanja will be laid to rest on Friday, January 3, at Lang’ata Cemetery.
The former Malkia Strikers star passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, after a battle with cancer.
Her family said the funeral proceedings will commence with a candle-lighting vigil on Tuesday, December 31, at Wanja’s residence at Vikam B Centre, Clay City, Kasarani, starting at 7pm.
On Thursday, January 2, a requiem mass will take place at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Indoor Arena, from 10am to 2pm.
Following the service, Wanja’s body will be returned to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home on Mbagathi Road for an overnight stay.
The burial on Friday will be a private ceremony, attended by family members, close friends and select dignitaries.
The funeral committee, chaired by Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) President Charles Nyaberi, confirmed the arrangements.
Members of the committee include representatives from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, the National Sports Council and the government alongside former national team players like Roseline Odhiambo.
Nyaberi clarified that earlier plans for a funeral service at Lang’ata High School were canceled, leaving the Kasarani memorial as the sole service before the burial.
A committee meeting scheduled for Monday at Sports View Hotel in Nairobi is expected to finalise the plans.
Wanja passed away while undergoing treatment at the MP Shah hospital in Nairobi.
She is said to have fallen ill in August shortly after returning from the Paris Olympics, where she served as the Malkia Strikers' fitness trainer.
Condoling with Wanja’s family following her death, President William Ruto described her as a disciplined and talented athlete who served Kenya’s sports fraternity with honor.
“Janet Wanja, a gifted and disciplined volleyball star, served the cause of our country’s sports with honor and dedication. She was focused, hardworking, and a team player,” Ruto said, offering prayers and comfort to her family and the sports community.
