Jane Wacu reflects on the painful loss of ‘sister’ Janet Wanja

Photo || Tabby Nashipae

Jane Wacu reflects on the painful loss of ‘sister’ Janet Wanja

Mark Kinyanjui 08:13 - 05.01.2025

Both Wacu and Wanja redefined the profile of Kenyan volleyball, with many even assuming they were blood sisters due to their vast similarities.

In the tranquil setting of Seychelles, where she represents Cascade Volleyball Club, former Kenya Pipeline setter Jane Wacu received the devastating news that would shake her world—her close friend, teammate, and “sister,” Janet Wanja, had passed away. 

The pain of the loss, amplified by being away from home, left Wacu grappling with an emptiness she had never experienced before.

“It’s hard to explain this kind of pain in a foreign country where no one truly understands. Here, it’s seen as something normal, but for me, part of me is gone,” Wacu shared during an emotional tribute at Wanja’s memorial service held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on January 2.

Janet Wanja (L) with Jane Wacu back in 2011. Photo || FILE

A friendship rooted in volleyball

The bond between Wacu and Wanja spanned over two decades, beginning in 2002 when they first met as competitors during the national secondary school championships in Kakamega. 

Wanja, then a Form Four student at Mukumu Girls High School, and Wacu, a Form One student at Tetu Girls High School, would cross paths again in 2004 during a national league match. Their camaraderie deepened when Wacu joined Wanja at Kenya Pipeline in 2006.

“She guided me through the madness of Nairobi, even acting as my tour guide until I found my footing. She motivated me to switch from football to volleyball and supported me at every turn,” Wacu said, reflecting on their shared journey.

The duo’s uncanny resemblance and matching hairstyles often left fans and teammates confused. They affectionately referred to each other as "Casmo" and "Casamo," nicknames that symbolized their unbreakable connection.

Despite their competitive spirit on the court, Wacu and Wanja always reconciled quickly, maintaining a bond that extended beyond volleyball. “We fought, like any siblings would, but by the end of the day, we’d laugh it off and move on,” Wacu recalled.

Their time as teammates on the national team from 2006 to 2017 only strengthened their relationship. While Wanja remained at Kenya Pipeline, Wacu moved to Kenya Prisons to secure a permanent job, where she now serves as a Senior Sergeant.

Learning of Wanja’s passing while in Seychelles, Wacu sought permission to travel back to Kenya. Overcoming flight challenges, she arrived just in time to bid her final farewell before Wanja’s body was taken from the arena.

In her heartfelt eulogy, Wacu admitted this was her first experience losing someone so close. “I’ll miss her dearly. She wasn’t just a teammate; she was my sister. I hope she visits me in my dreams so we can finish the conversations we left incomplete,” she said through tears.

Janet Wanja’s impact on volleyball in Kenya was profound, with many crediting her for elevating the sport's profile. Her beauty and skill on the court drew admiration, making her a beloved figure in the volleyball fraternity.

Wanja was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Lang’ata Cemetery on January 3. As Wacu mourns the loss of her “sister,” she also celebrates the life of a woman who shaped her journey, both in sports and in life.

“I had planned to visit her on January 2, but fate had other plans,” Wacu lamented. “She inspired me to be the best version of myself, and I will carry her memory with me forever.”