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Tributes have been pouring in for long-serving sports administrator Waithaka Kioni who took a final blow on Sunday morning after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest in Nairobi.

Kioni who has been at the helm of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) leadership for 23 years, also doubled up as the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) Second Vice President and also a leader at the continental body.

He was the Chief de Mission for Team Kenya at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games as well as a renowned rally enthusiast.

Nock president Paul Tergat said Kioni was reportedly taken ill and rushed to hospital, where he succumbed around 1am on Sunday morning.

“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.  We are currently consulting with his family and the Volleyball Federation leadership and will share more details later. National Olympic Committee of Kenya,” Tergat said.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said: “I am immensely saddened to lern of the demise of Waithaka Kioni, who passed on after a short illness.

Kioni has been 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 Nock leadership, the Kenya Volleyball federation and the entire sporting fraternity.

May God comfort the family and grant them the fortitude to bear with this deep loss.”

Sports Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said: “My heartfelt condolences and thoughts go to the family of Waithaka Kioni. The sporting fraternity will always celebrate him as he strived to transform Kenyan volleyball.”

Athletics Kenya executive member Barnabas Korir said: “It is with deepest sorrow that I have learnt of the death of Waithaka Kioni. My heart is heavy with grief and my soul is burdened and distraught to know that he is no more, yet as friends, we only have the option of submitting to God’s will.