Malkia Strikers star Janet Wanja succumbs to gallbladder cancer

President William Ruto has joined other Kenyans in mourning volleyball star Janet Wanja who passed on due to gallbladder cancer.

In a statement, President Ruto described Wanja as a gifted and disciplined volleyball star who served the cause of our country’s sports with honour and dedication.

"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," said President Ruto.

"One day, we will beat cancer. Rest in Peace, Wanja," he added in his statement.

High profile sports personalities among them Harambee Stars and Al-Duhail striker Michael Olunga also mourned the former Malkia Strikers star.

"Gone too soon. Your contribution to Volleyball in Kenya and the sports industry was immense and will never go unnoticed," Olunga said in a statement.

Wanja passed away just weeks after her family revealed she was suffering from gallbladder cancer.

Wanja’s death was confirmed on Thursday--a day after Christmas--by her family, who released a statement saying she had lost the battle with the disease.

“As the family of Janet Wanja announce her passing on after a brave battle with cancer,” read the family’s statement.

The family also thanked Kenya Pipeline, who offered to cater for 100 percent of her medical bills earlier in December after a financial appeal was made to aid in her treatment.

"Our sincere and deepest gratitude goes out to the Kenya Pipeline company for walking the journey with us from the beginning and tirelessly providing all she needed in medical support," the family statement read further.

Wanja will be remembered for being one of the longest-serving players on the Kenya Pipeline volleyball team, playing from 2005 until her retirement in 2019.

Her death has come as a shocker to the Kenyan sporting fraternity, who were optimistic she would fend off her cancer diagnosis.