The national chess community is mourning the death of the chess prodigy, Hawi Kaloki, who passed away on Monday, August 10.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The 19-year-old, full name Kaloki Barry Hawi, passed away yesterday morning, leaving fans and fellow players heartbroken across the country.

The Chess Kenya Federation confirmed his death last evening, describing it as a painful loss for the entire chess fraternity.

"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," Chess Kenya stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

International chess photographer David Lladla also confirmed the news, calling it a huge blow to the wider chess community that watched Kaloki grow.

"I just received the shocking news of the passing of Hawi Kaloki, a multiple-time Kenyan champion. He was just 19," Lladla said.

Born in 2007, Kaloki was still young but had already built a name for himself on the local chess scene.

He held no  Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) title yet, though his FIDE ID,  10814582 , placed him firmly among Kenya's most watched young talents.

Globally, Kaloki ranked 20,356 out of 54,135 registered players, a solid standing for someone still sharpening his craft.

Back home, he sat 5th among active Kenyan players and 8th when factoring in the country's full FIDE list.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke