The Paul Bitok national volleyball tournament matches have been postponed following the death of Kenya Volleyball Federation President Waithaka Kioni on April 9 at a Nairobi hospital.

Organiser of the event, Paul Bitok, who doubles up as the national women's team coach Malkia Strikers said: "It is a sad moment in the volleyball fraternity to lose such a great leader. Considering the late Kioni's stature in the volleyball circles, we have called off all the matches until further notice."

The event, which started on April 7, had reached the semifinal stage. Kenya Pipeline were to meet Kenya Prisons while KCB were set to play the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) in the women's category.

In the men's cadre, Trailblazers had a date with Kenya Prisons while Kenya Defence Forces were to battle Kenya Ports Authority.

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), where the late Kioni served as the second vice chairman, confirmed the death of the official.

"We sadly announce the unfortunate and sudden passing on of our second vice-president and president of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), the Late  Waithaka Kioni early this morning in Nairobi," said Nock President Paul Tergat in a statement.