Nairobi — The sudden death of Kenya Volleyball Federation boss Waithaka Kioni early Sunday morning shocked the sporting community, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and leaders alike. Kioni, who served as the second vice‑president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) and Kenya’s chief de mission at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, died after a brief illness. He also held the position of vice‑president of the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB). NOCK reported that Kioni was rushed to hospital on Saturday evening with health problems but did not survive.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba was among those leading the nation’s mourning. “I am immensely saddened to learn this morning of the demise of Mr. Waithaka Kioni. Kioni has been a towering enthusiast and leader in the world of sports, particularly in volleyball. On my own behalf and on behalf of my family and the entire Ministry of Youth Affairs, The Arts and Sports, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the NOC‑K leadership, the Kenya Volleyball Federation and the entire sporting fraternity,” Namwamba said in a brief statement.
Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke also expressed his shock, writing on Twitter: “My heartfelt condolences and thoughts go to the family of Waithaka Kioni. The sporting fraternity will always celebrate him as he strived to transform Kenyan volleyball.”
National champions Kenya Pipeline, where Kioni was a founding member and chairman in the early 1980s, joined the mourning. “Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Club would like to join the volleyball fraternity in mourning the death of Kenya Volleyball Federation President Waithaka Kioni. Kioni will always feature in the history of the club, having founded it in 1984 and contributed to its success both locally,” the club said in a statement.
NOCK boss Paul Tergat, who worked closely with Kioni for the past seven years, said he was “deeply shocked.” “Woken up to very devastating news of the death of my 2nd VP, my friend, colleague and father‑figure Waithaka Kioni after a short illness. We are yet to come to terms as an Olympic Movement in Kenya about this loss. Poleni to his family; God comfort you,” Tergat wrote.
Capital Sports Editor Alex Isaboke, who collaborated with Kioni during the Tokyo Olympics and other NOCK ventures, also offered condolences. “It is hugely shocking news to wake up to this Sunday. We were with Mr Kioni two weeks ago in Diani during the inaugural Kenya Beach Games and learning today that he has passed is hugely heartbreaking. I pass my condolences on behalf of myself and the Capital FM fraternity to his family,” Isaboke said.
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