Tributes pour in for boxing great John “Duran” Wanjau

The featherweight boxer who proudly represented Kenya at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games passed on May 29 at his daughter Monica Njoki (aka Koki)'s house. She recalls his dad’s last words to her before his eyes closed for good.

“I’m going to heaven, that’s my home,” Wanjau told Njoki.

“My father has been ailing from chronic kidney disease (CKD) for a year, eventually he breathed his last in my house. We have spent over Ksh3.6 million on his treatment. It’s a big loss but we’ve taken it in our stride and decided to celebrate his illustrious career,” said Njoki who is disappointed at the shoddy manner the Kenyan government handles most famous sportsmen and women.

Njoki has said that they have chosen to celebrate his legacy with remarkable peace, transforming their mourning into a tribute swallowing the punch like their dad used to do in the ring, and gracefully accepting his demise.

In a statement, the Boxing Federation of Kenya described Wanjau as a disciplined, patriotic and highly committed sportsman whose contribution played a major role in shaping the growth and reputation of Kenyan boxing on the global stage. 

“John Wanjau's contribution to Kenyan boxing will forever remain part of our rich sporting history. His dedication, discipline and patriotism inspired generations of boxers and helped elevate Kenya's standing in international boxing,” the federation said through an official statement released by her communication director Duncan Kuria.

Wanjau, who was born on June 3, 1958, rose through the ranks at Nakuru ABC before joining Breweries Boxing Club under coach Charles Anjimbi. He first made his mark in the late 1970s, winning gold at the 1979 East and Central Africa Boxing Championships in the featherweight division, signalling the arrival of a future national star.

At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Wanjau impressed with victories over Ghana’s Christian Kpakpo and Tanzania’s Rajabu Hussein before bowing out in a controversial quarter-final stoppage against American Meldrick Taylor. He later returned to the Olympic stage in Seoul in 1988, where he fought bravely but lost 4–1 to the Netherlands’ Regilio Tuur.

His career also featured strong performances at home and regional tournaments, including the memorable 1987 FESCAABA Championships in Nairobi, where Kenya dominated with a historic medal haul. Wanjau was among nine Kenyan gold medallists, outpointing Seychelles’ Gerry Legras in a polished featherweight display that underlined Kenya’s regional supremacy at the time.

The federation joined former teammates, coaches and boxing officials in paying tribute to the fallen legend. Among those mourning him were Ibrahim “Surf” Bilali, Hosea Maina, Francis Olando, Athanus Nzau and former team manager James Ondimu, all describing him as a committed servant of the sport.

“It’s so painful losing our boxer Wanjau. Our sincere condolences to his family. He served the national team with distinction,” Ondimu said.

Wanjau is remembered as part of Kenya’s golden generation of boxers that included the likes of Robert Wangila and Chris Sande, athletes who placed the country firmly on the world boxing map.

He will be laid to rest on June 8, 2026, at his Kamulu home, with family members appealing for support as they prepare to give him a dignified farewell. His legacy, forged in sweat, discipline and courage inside the ring, will continue to inspire future generations of Kenyan boxers.