Volleyball legend Janet Wanja was laid to rest on Friday, 3 January at Lang’ata Cemetery in Nairobi in an emotional farewell.The private ceremony marked the final chapter of a storied life and career that inspired countless fans and players alike.Wanja’s journey to her resting place began at Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home, where her body was collected for a church service.Janet Wanja’s touching eulogy from mother and brother Kevin KimaniThe service brought together family, friends, and teammates to honor her memory.The most heart-rending moment came during the body viewing, where emotions ran high as Malkia Strikers and Kenya Pipeline players bid their final goodbyes.Tears flowed freely as they paid tribute to their former teammate who is a symbol of excellence and resilience in Kenyan volleyball.Following the church service, Wanja was laid to rest at Lang’ata Cemetery.Flowers were lovingly planted on her grave as a gesture of remembrance and love.Even in death, Wanja continued to make history.##NAJAVA_MECA_8609932##On Thursday, 2 January, the Kasarani Indoor Arena hosted her requiem mass, a first for a sports personality in Kenya.The mass drew a large crowd, reflecting the impact of Wanja’s illustrious career and her role in elevating volleyball in Kenya and beyond.Wanja left Mukumu Girls High School in 2005 and started her professional volleyball career at KCB Women’s Volleyball Team where she had a short stint before moving to Kenya Pipeline.At Kenya Pipeline, she established herself as a household name in Kenyan volleyball, taking over the setter position from Judith Serenge and Rhoda Liyali and going on to win four consecutive local league titles with the team from 2014 to 2017.She was in the Kenyan team that won a historic FIVB World Grand Prix title in Australia in 2015. She also played volleyball with Kenya at the highest level globally.The setter played in two editions of the FIVB World Championship with Kenya (2006 and 2008), and played in three editions of the FIVB World Cup (2007, 2011, and 2015), as well as at the 2004 Olympic Games.Wanja also played in five editions of the Africa Women’s Volleyball Championship with Kenya (2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, and 2015) as well as in two editions of the FIVB World Grand Prix (2013 and 2015).In all the tournaments she competed in, Wanja served the nation as a setter the best way she knew how.She won the continental titles with Kenya in 2005 in Nigeria, where they beat the hosts 3-1 sets, and in 2007 in Nairobi where Kenya defeated Algeria 3-0 sets in the final to triumph. She would again win the continental title with Kenya in 2011 in Nairobi, where hosts Kenya beat Algeria 3-1 sets before again helping Kenya to beat Cameroon 3-0 sets in the 2013 tournament held in Nairobi.For the 11 years she played for Kenya, her electrifying performances were not devoid of entertainment.How Benni McCarthy’s expected appointment is a blessing to Harambee StarsOn almost all the occasions when Kenya won a title, especially on home soil, Wanja and her teammates would perform a jig at matches.Her last engagement with Malkia Strikers was as a trainer at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She served in the same capacity at the FIVB Challenger Cup from July 4 to 7 in Manila, the Philippines.May Wanja’s soul rest in eternal peace
