Kenyans mourn as Safaricom boss Collymore dies

By Our Reporter

Kenyans are mourning the untimely death of Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore. A statement from the company says published by the company’s Chairman Nicholas Nganga, confirmed his death this morning.

According to a statement, Collymore died Monday at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was a Guyanese-born British businessman.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in his condolence message said: “It is with deep sadness that I have this morning received news of the death of Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore after years of battling cancer. As a country, we’ve lost a distinguished corporate leader whose contribution to our national wellbeing will be missed.”

Kenya’s veteran politician and African Union High Representative For infrastructure Development, in his condolence message said: “My condolences go out to the friends and family of Mr Bob Collymore as well as the entire Safaricom fraternity. Bob served our country with dedication and sustained us as a communication hub in Africa. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

In October 2017, Collymore, went to the UK to receive treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and returned in July 2018 to resume duties.

“He has been undergoing treatment for this condition since then in different hospitals and most recently at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi,” said the statement.

Collymore leaves behind a wife and four children.

“On behalf of the Board of Safaricom, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, staff, partners and the nation at large who he served selflessly with joy,” Nganga, said in a statement.

In August 2018, Collymore became the talk of the town, following a bold move to publicly declare his fortune. His handsome salary at the time was -Ksh9.1million per month. Collymore at the time further revealed that he had accumulated property and shares worth over Ksh277 million.

Here are other interesting facts about the late Safaricom CEO. 

1. Bob Collymore’s official name was Robert William Collymore.
2. He was originally from Guyana, a country in South America.
3. He went to school in Guyana then later studied in the United Kingdom.
4. He started earning money when he was 12-years-old by selling art pieces from plasticine moulds.
5. Collymore’s first real job was as an office boy when he was 16-years-old.
6. The Safaricom Boss used wake up at 5.15am everyday.
7. During his early years, Collymore wanted to be a painter and in an interview said he would still want to be one.
8. He did not like Kenyan food but rather preferred Chinese and Indian foods.
9. He was a father of four children
10. Bob enjoyed flying helicopters and cycling.