President William Ruto has led Kenyans in mourning volleyball legend Janet Wanja.
Wanja, a former national women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers player, succumbed to gallbladder cancer while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital.
President Ruto mourned Wanja as a gifted and disciplined volleyball star who served the cause of the country’s sports with honour and dedication.
The head of state regretted that the athlete lost the battle to cancer, saying that the country will one day beat the disease.
"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," said Ruto.Wanja’s death was announced by her brother Kevin Kimani on the morning of Friday, December 27.
The volleyball legend fell ill in August shortly after returning from the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she served as the Malkia Strikers’ fitness trainer.
Before her cancer diagnosis, she was the gym instructor for the Kenya Pipeline volleyball club.