CKF - Kakamega County Chess Association

A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE ON THE PASSING OF HAWI KALOKI

Dear Chess Family,

The African Chess Confederation (ACC) joins the entire African chess family in mourning the untimely passing of Hawi Kaloki, one of Kenya’s brightest young chess talents.

A multiple-time Kenyan National Champion and former No. 1 player in Kenya, Hawi proudly represented his country across Africa and on the international stage, competing at World Youth and Junior Championships, Africa Youth Championships and, most recently, the Africa Individual Chess Championship in Botswana.

He was also set to represent Kenya at the forthcoming World Chess Olympiad, a testament to the remarkable journey he had built and the bright future that lay ahead.

His passing is a profound loss not only to his family and Kenyan chess, but to African chess as a whole. He represented the promise, talent and ambition of a new generation of African players whose dreams reach far beyond our borders.

Hawi leaves behind more than titles and games. He leaves memories, friendships, inspiration and a legacy that will remain part of the story of African chess.

The ACC extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, clubs, Chess Kenya and the entire Kenyan chess fraternity.

At this time of profound grief, we stand with Kenya as one united African chess family.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

📸 Hawi Kaloki at the 2026 African Individual Chess Championship in Jwaneng, Botswana
FIDE - International Chess Federation

On behalf of the KCB family, we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing on of Hawi Kaloki, an exceptionally gifted young chess player whose talent, dedication and achievements brought great pride to KCB and the country at large.

Hawi was the Kenya Under-18 Champion in 2025 and the National Junior Champion Under-21 in 2024. Notably, he was a two-time winner of the Victoria East Africa Chess Tournament, claiming the title in both 2024 and 2025 and played a pivotal role in KCB’s success in the Premier League Chess League, where his outstanding performance earned him the MVP award in 2025.

Though his life has tragically come to an end, his remarkable achievements and the inspiration he offered to fellow players and the wider chess community will endure.

As we continue to remember his legacy, we pray that the Lord grants his family and friends strength, comfort and peace as they come to terms with this profound loss.

May Hawi’s soul rest in eternal peace and perpetual light shine upon him.

🎉 Congratulations to Benard Wanjala on his election as President of African Chess Confederation- Confédération Africaine des Echecs!

The election demonstrated the strength and vitality of African chess. A closely contested vote - 25 to 24 - reflects the engagement and commitment of the African chess community to shaping its future.

I wish President Wanjala and the entire ACC leadership every success in the years ahead.

🤝 I look forward to working closely together to strengthen unity across African chess, create new opportunities for federations and players, and help the game continue to grow and flourish across the continent.