Until his death, Kioni served as KVF President, NOC-K's Second Vice President and CAVB Vice President and Treasurer.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has granted the family of the departed Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) president Waithaka Kioni a plaque in remembrance and to honour his service to the Commonwealth Movement and the Olympic Movement.
During the requiem service held at the Kiamwangi Primary School in Gatundu, NOC-K Secretary General Francis Mutuku revealed that the late Kioni was a pillar in the NOC-K fraternity and was their voice of reason on many occasions.
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He revealed that Kioni was a reliable person and was always there to offer support whenever possible.
“Mr. Kioni has been somebody who turns up. Whenever I needed somebody to call when I needed assistance, support, and someone to cheer me up, he would always be my point of reference. He was a good leader and would chair most of our meetings,” Mutuku said.
He revealed that in 2017 when they were elected to the NOC-K committee, every individual had their own perspective on how things were to be run. Mutuku revealed that Kioni was the glue that kept them together since then.
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Lung'aho revealed that the late Kioni was in talks with FIVB to raise the standards of the men's national team.
“Just like any other committee, we all have different schools of thought on how things are to be run, and most times, you might find arguments arising. Differences in opinions and approaches were our major issues.
The late Kioni is the man behind our collaboration. He usually had the mantra that ‘we are all wired differently, we must make room for each other and we must learn to be with each other',” he said.
Mutuku also revealed that the late Kioni was a bit reluctant about taking the role of the Chef De Mission to the 2020 Olympic Games but NOC-K were confident he was the right fit for the job. After a few consultations, he eventually accepted to take up the role.
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He added that Kioni was a humorous man who would find ways of communicating in a way to make an individual comfortable.
“He is one of the leaders who has led us in the transformation of NOC-K. He used to make someone feel supported and comfortable at all times,” Mutuku shared.
He noted that the late KVF president embraced respect, excellence, and friendship and he made the world a better place through sports.
Kioni is survived by four children (Kioni Waithaka Junior, Mwangi, David, and Jemimah). He was laid to rest on Wednesday, April 19 at his home in Kiamwangi village, Gatundu South, Kiambu County.
Until his death, Kioni served as KVF President, NOC-K's Second Vice President and CAVB Vice President and Treasurer.