- Kioni died at 1am Sunday morning
- NOCK said he was rushed after sudden illness
- He was also the NOCK second vice president
Kenya Volleyball Federation boss Waithaka Kioni is dead, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has announced.
According to a communique from NOCK, Kioni passed on at a Nairobi hospital early Sunday morning, at 1am, where he had been rushed after suddenly falling ill on Saturday night.
A statement from NOCK said; “Mr. Kioni was reportedly taken ill yesterday and rushed to hospital, where he succumbed around 1am this morning. NOC-K is devastated with the loss of its Executive Member and an ardent volleyball sport leader over the years.”
“We wish to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his immediate and extended family, friends and volleyball fraternity in Kenya and Africa for this loss. We are currently consulting with his family and the Volleyball Federation leadership and will share more details later,” the statement further said.
Kenya’s volleyball chief for decades
Kioni has been the Kenya Volleyball boss for the last two decades, and was elected as the NOCK Vice President during the last elections held two years ago.
He was also the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) vice president and his son Mwangi Kioni is a rally navigator.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba was among those who led the country in mourning Kioni’s shocking demise.
“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 do 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.
Tergat mourns friend and colleague
NOCK boss Paul Tergat, who worked closely with Kioni for the last seven years says 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 said.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login