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The late Kioni served as the Kenya Volleyball Federation president and vice president of the African body.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya has on Sunday 9th April 2023 announced the passing away of second Vice president and Kenya Volleyball Federation president Waithaka Kioni.
Kioni was reportedly taken ill on Saturday and was rushed to hospital but could not make it unfortunately. NOC-K stated that he succumbed at around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.
NOC-K termed Kioni as an Executive Member who was an ardent volleyball sports leader in the years he served. He had served as the KVF president for over 20 years and through his tenure, the Kenyan Volleyball has been able to make significant steps of growth.
Kioni was serving his second term at NOCK having been elected during the national elections in 2021 alongside Tergat – and first vice president Shadrack Maluki.
Kioni also served as the Chef de Mission during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where Kenya bagged 10 medals (four gold, four silver, and two bronze) to settle for 19th place in the medal table.
Meanwhile, Sports CS Ababu Namwamba has also expressed grief to the passing away of Mr. Kioni. Namwamba termed Kioni as 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’s statement read in part.
On her part, Malkia Strikers’ Mercy Moim termed the late Mr. Kioni as her hero, president, mentor, and leader. In a post on her Instagram page, she said: “My hero, my president, mentor, and leader is no more. My heart is broken. I will surely miss you. R.I.P Mr. Kioni.”
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