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Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.

Janet Wanja’s public memorial

A memorial service for Kenya volleyball icon Janet Wanja is scheduled for Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Kasarani Indoor Arena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) President Charles Nyaberi indicated that the memorial service will allow the public to pay their last respects to the departed soul.

“There will be a memorial service at Moi International Sports Centre Indoor Arena at Kasarani on Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. Afterwards, the body will return to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home on Mbagathi Road for an overnight stay ahead of the burial on Friday,” he announced.

The memorial service will be followed by interment at Lang’ata Cemetery in Nairobi, which is expected to be an only family affair.

Wanja passed away after battling stage four gallbladder cancer. She was a long-time setter for the national women’s volleyball team, representing Kenya at key assignments, including the Athens Olympic Games.

In her most recent role, the former KCB and Kenya Pipeline player was the Malkia Strikers trainer.

Her final assignment with the national team was at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she contributed to Kenya’s improved performance compared to the Tokyo 2021 Games.

JANET WANJA.❤️🇰🇪 pic.twitter.com/E4v41LGkle

— TeamKenya (@OlympicsKe) January 1, 2025

Stars to depart for Zanzibar

Harambee Stars will leave the country on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and head to Pemba Island ahead of the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup, set to begin on Friday, January 3, 2025.

The team held their final training on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, before interim Coach Francis Kimanzi unveiled his 24-man squad.

“We had a large squad initially because we wanted to analyse and give all a chance to show what they can do. All the 40 that were in camp from the onset are really quality players, but we needed just 24 for the Mapinduzi Cup. We now have a base that we will build on ahead of CHAN,” Interim Head Coach Francis Kimanzi stated.

The competition will provide a platform for the Harambee Stars to continue preparing for the upcoming CHAN.

Full squad

Goalkeepers; Byrne Odhiambo, Faruk Shikalo, Sepstanious Wekesa.

Defenders; Sylvester Owino, Hanif Wesonga, Alphonce Omija, Brian Okoth, Abud Omar, Siraj Mohammed, Ronney Onyango, Daniel Sakari.

Midfielders; Michael Mutinda, Chrispine Erambo, Brian Musa, Kelly Madada, Austine Odhiambo, Kenneth Muguna, Ben Stanley Omondi, Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, Darius Msagah, James Kinyanjui.

21. Moses Shumah

Forwards: Moses Shumah, Ryan Ogam.

Opening of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium

Siaya Governor James Orengo will open the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

The newly built stadium boasts a seating capacity of 15,000 and promises to transform Western Kenya’s sports scene.

The stadium also features an eight-lane athletics track, VIP lounges, floodlights, and a secure perimeter.

Wound up Piny Luo Festival at Migwena grounds watching finals. Congratulations to all the participants. Looking forward to the grand opening of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium tomorrow. See you there! pic.twitter.com/pOcRHLzp5j

— James Orengo (@orengo_james) January 1, 2025

President William Ruto is among those expected during the official opening of the stadium.

Later, Kitara will face Kenya’s Gor Mahia FC in a friendly match to mark the grand opening of the stadium. Kitara are currently ninth in the Uganda Premier League, while Gor Mahia are third in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

Full focus on our International Friendly against Kitara FC🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/VK4pcQFFWG

— Gor Mahia FC Ke (@gormahiafcke) January 1, 2025