A buddy, a sister, a mentor: Janet Wanja celebrated by family and friends at Kasarani residence
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 1 – That Janet Wanja’s gentle and heat transcended generations, gender and social standing is not any lie; and this was laid naked Tuesday night time as family and friends congregated at her Kasarani residence for a candle lighting ceremony in reminiscence of the fallen volleyball queen.
Wanja, 40, handed away on boxing day after a brief battle with gall bladder most cancers. She handed away at her residence surrounded by household.
On Tuesday night time, New Year’s eve, Wanja’s legacy on and off the volleyball court docket was celebrated, as household and associates recounted their moments and encounters along with her.
“She was always a jovial person, full of life and always ready for a chat with anyone. She didn’t have that ‘celeb status’ despite her being a star and the face of Kenyan volleyball. She was a friend and a neighbor for many years and I will miss her dearly,” Isaac Swila, the Head of Sports at Royal Media Services mentioned.
Candles have been lit along with her center identify, Wanja, in addition to her iconic jersey quantity, seven, and a love coronary heart moreover it.
Every speaker on the quick ceremony recounted how heat Wanja was, how she embraced all people and the way she was actually, the lifetime of the celebration.
“It is definitely difficult. She was more than a sister to me and we shared so many moments together,” his youthful brother, Mathare United midfielder Kevin Kimani mentioned.
Wanja can be laid to relaxation in a personal household ceremony on Friday on the Lang’ata Cemetery, whereas a memorial service can be held Thursday morning on the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium.
Coincidentally, the identical gymnasium, the place her memorial can be held, was her remaining native centre of obligation, throughout Malkia Strikers’ remaining coaching session earlier than heading to Miramas for the pre-Olympics coaching camp.
