Kioni:The man who transformed Kenyan volleyball takes his final bow

KVF president Waithaka Kioni during a past NOC-K media briefing in Nairobi. Kioni passed on yesterday. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

When the history of Kenyan volleyball will be written, the name of the late Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) president Waithaka Kioni will definitely be in one of the chapters.

Kioni, 70, might have breathed his last on April 9, 2023 in a Nairobi hospital, but it is evident the former journalist turned-sports administrator has left a lasting legacy in the game.

From the National Olympics of Kenya (NOC-K) to African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) and International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Kioni's contribution to sports will forever remain invaluable.

Kioni, a Public Administration graduate at the University of Nairobi, portrayed an administrator who attracted both admiration and resentment in his line of duty winning himself love and loathe at the same time.

To some, he was a 'father' and mentor, while others considered him as a revolutionist and true servant of the game.

He nurtured and inspired a generation of volleyball players, coaches and administrators both locally and internationally with his unique and authoritarian leadership style.

But yesterday, the nation woke up to the sad news of the untimely demise of CAVB and NOC-K vice president.

Paul Bitok International Tournament which had reached the semifinal stages was called off yesterday in honour of the departed official.

Four African Women's Cup of Nations titles, four African Games gold medals and the historic FIVB Grand Prix Group 3 triumph are some of the greatest achievements Kioni has left behind.

Less than a month into his final term as KVF president, Kioni was seizing new challenges and working to ensure there is a smooth transition at KVF before his next chapter was abruptly ended by a suspected cardiac arrest. The delayed national elections are set for April 29.

He was the face of Kenyan volleyball. In essence, KVF was literally Kioni and Kioni was KVF. The two have been inextricably intertwined since he was first elected KVF president in 1998, previously Kenya Volleyball Association.

Though the men's game might have failed to go to another level in terms of development and winning trophies both continentally and globally during his tenure, the women teams' achievements are unmeasurable.

Malkia Strikers in action against Cameroon during the African Nations Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.[Courtesy-CAVB]

It is during Kioni's spell as the federation's president and CAVB vice president that both the national teams and clubs have strongly stamped their authority in the continent. Last year, KCB Bank ended North African clubs' dominance at the continental showpiece after they stunned 10-time record holders Al Ahly of Egypt 3-1 in Tunisia. Kenyan club, Prisons, had last won the trophy in 2013.

He was the brainchild of national women team's nickname Malkia Strikers after securing a lucrative Sh42 million sponsorship from National Oil in 2014. This inspired the David Lung'aho-coached side to clinch the historic 2015 World Grand Prix (Group Three) title in Canberra, Australia. Hence this made the sporting world to start associating Kenya not only with athletics and rugby, but also volleyball.

He is also credited for transforming beach volleyball in the country as well as laying structures for giants Kenya Pipeline volleyball club way back in 1984 as one of the founder members and team manager. He worked at Standard Media Group between 1978 and 1979.

Kioni was Team Kenya's Chef De Mission to the 2020 Tokyo Games and coincidentally, this is the time Malkia Strikers were making a return to the global event after a 16-year hiatus.

Yesterday, the sporting world reacted to his death with an outpouring of pain and disbelief.

From Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to NOC-K president Paul Tergat, KVF officials, national team players, coaches and global bodies led by FIVB and CAVB they all described him as a 'legend'.

"Kioni has been a towering enthusiast and leader in the world of sports, particularly in volleyball," said Namwamba.

Tergat said: "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."

Paying tribute to their mentor, former Malkia Strikers coaches David Lung'aho (Kenya Prisons men), Japheth Munala (KCB) and Paul Gitau (Kenya Pipeline) all said Kioni has impacted many people in the sport.

"He's a transformative and visionary leader. It's because of him that Kenyan volleyball is where it is now. He brought in sponsorships like the National Oil, that's a turning point for Malkia Strikers," said Lung'aho.

"I won a lot of accolades during his tenure because of the trust he had in me and the team. He pushed for our inclusion in the Grand Prix and we rewarded him by winning it.

"He supported the game even with his own personal resources. He's left a huge gap; I don't know if it will be filled."

Munala said: He's a very honest leader whose unpopular decisions would always separate him from the rest. And it's because of such good decisions that the national team has been performing well. I'm indebted to him because he literally held my hand throughout my coaching career.

"He was always there to witness the team's performance on the court rather than get reports from third parties. Even after I was dropped from the travelling party to Tokyo after guiding Malkia to the Olympics, he called me for a meeting and explained everything."

"I have worked with him throughout my life from playing to coaching. He's actually a family friend. As a founder member of Pipeline his demise is a big blow to us," added Pipeline coach Paul Gitau.

Kenya in action against Morocco at the African Nations Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.[Courtesy-CAVB]

Malkia Strikers captain Mercy Moim couldn't hide her emotions as she recalled how Kioni stood with her after losing her mother in 2013.

"I'm still in shock. We have lost a father, mentor and a legend. I have played under his leadership for almost 17 years. He was reachable and understandable; we would reach out to him when things were not okay both at national or club level," said Moim.

"When I lost my mum, he's the one who comforted me. I had planned to do something special to appreciate him when he retires but God had other plans; he died when the entire volleyball fraternity had converged in a tournament. "

Her KCB teammate Edith Wisa added: "He was a great pillar for the volleyball family. He was enthusiastic about volleyball and a father figure in the sport. We've lost a legend, I'm yet to come to terms with his death."

Former Malkia Strikers setter Jane Wacu simply described Kioni as the 'father' of modern Kenyan volleyball.

"He was the volleyball itself, without him we are doomed. If it was not for him, I couldn't have spent sixteen years in the national team," said Wacu.

Former national men's team captain Elisha Aliwa said Kioni's experience and leadership is going to be missed more so in the upcoming elections.

"I played under his tenure and I know how much he sacrificed for us to honour international competitions. He was nearing retirement and his input during the upcoming elections would have been really important. His invaluable experience in power transition will be missed. Both camps have been shocked by his demise," said Aliwa, who is the current KDF men's team coach.