L. MathekaKenyans mourn long-serving sports administrator Waithaka Kioni
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 09.04.23. | 11:09
He was the KVF president and the CAVB and NOC-K vice president
National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has led the Kenyan sports fraternity in mourning thr sudden passing on of their vice-president Waithaka Kioni.
The former journalist and a long serving sports administrator was reportedly taken ill on Saturday 8 April and rushed to hospital where he succumbed around 1am in the morning.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) sadly announces the unfortunate sudden passing on of our 2nd Vice-President and President of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), the Late, Mr. Waithaka Kioni early this morning in Nairobi. pic.twitter.com/lpT65SyhUT
— TeamKenya (@OlympicsKe) April 9, 2023
"NOC-K sadly announces the unfortunate sudden passing on of our 2nd Vice-President and President of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), the Late, Mr. Waithaka Kioni early this morning in Nairobi.
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," read part of the Committee's announcement written by president Paul Tergat.
Until his demise, Kioni was also serving as the KVF president, a post he was set to leave later this month when the federation is set to hold its elections.
Kioni was first elected as the Kenya Volleyball Association (KVA) national chairman in 1998 before the federation changed its name to Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) in 2000.
Thirty-eight years ago, one Waithaka Kioni, then an employee of Kenya Pipeline Company, hatched the idea of forming a volleyball team for the company.
— Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Club (@kenyapipelinevc) December 15, 2022
He set the ball flying way back in 1984 and relentlessly pursued his dream, pic.twitter.com/VUqh1qoSn2
He, however, resigned before completing his term after 2000 Sydney Olympics.
He made a comeback in 2006 and has been at the helm ever since. Under his leadership, the women’s national team, Malkia Strikers, have won four African Women’s Cup of Nations titles, four African Games gold medals and the historic FIVB Grand Prix Group 3 victory.
They have also participated at the Olympics and World Championships in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
He was also the CAVB vice president.
Here at Mozzart Sport Kenya, our prayers are with the family and friends as well as the sporting fraternity he so diligently served until his demise.
Rest in eternal peace sir!
