National team chess player Hawi Kaloki is dead. Kaloki, 19 passed away on Monday, 10 August morning, sending the chess fraternity into deep mourning.
Chess Kenya Federation confirmed the news on Monday evening.“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the untimely passing of our champion, Hawi Kaloki, who passed away this morning,” the federation said in a statement.
Hawi was a multiple-time national champion, and one of Kenya’s most highly rated chess players. In 2024, he attained the position of Kenya’s No. 1 player, having established himself among the country’s elite players with a rating exceeding 2100.
He was due to represent Kenya at the upcoming World Chess Olympiad, scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 15 September 2026. His most recent international appearance was as a member of the Kenyan National Team at the Africa Individual Chess Championship in Botswana.
Throughout his career, Hawi represented Kenya with distinction on numerous international stages.His accomplishments included participation in the World Junior Chess Championship in Brazil, the World Youth Chess Championships in Albania in 2025 and Brazil in 2024, as well as several editions of the Africa Youth Chess Championships, where he competed as a reigning National Champion.
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At club level, Hawi was a valued member of the KCB Chess Team in the Kenya National Chess Premier League and a cherished member of Mavens Chess Club. His contribution to the teams he represented, and to Kenyan chess as a whole, will be remembered with great appreciation.“Beyond his remarkable achievements on the chessboard, Hawi was a beloved family member, friend, teammate, and an inspiration to many. His passion for chess, exceptional talent, humility, and dedication to the game touched the lives of many within and beyond the chess community,” concluded the statement.
Hawi’s sister Zuri Kaloki is also a member of the national chess team.Here at Mozzart Sport, we express our deepest condolences to Kaloki’s family and friends, and the entire Chess Kenya Federation.