Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba leads the country in mourning fallen sports administrator Kioni
Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba has eulogised Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) boss Waithaka Kioni as a towering enthusiastic leader in the world of sports.
Kioni who, until his demise was also serving at the African Volleyball Federation, CAVB as vice-president and the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) in the same capacity passed on after a brief illness.
Meanwhile, all volleyball activities across the country have been suspended indefinitely following the news.
"I am immensely saddened to learn this morning of the demise of Mr. Waithaka Kioni who passed on after a short illness. Mr. Kioni has been a towering enthusiast and leader in the world of sports, particular 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," the CS wrote in a statement.
Kioni is reported to have been taken ill on Saturday 8 April and passed on early Sunday 9 April morning.
Also mourning Kioni's untimely departure was NOC-K president Paul Tergat.
"Woken up to very devastating news of the death of my 2nd VP @OlympicsKe, 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. (Sic)," he wrote on his twitter handle