Safaricom’s Chief Executive Officer Bob Collymore has dead.
In a statement Monday, company’s Board Chairman Nicholas Nganga says Collymore passed on at his home Monday morning after a long battle with cancer.
Adding that Collymore has been in and out of the country for several months seeking treatment for Acute Myloid Leukemia (AML).
In October 2017, Collymore travelled to the United Kingdom to receive treatment and returned in July last year to resume his duties.
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Lately, he had been receiving treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. Collymore leaves behind a wife and four children.
His tenure at Safaricom was to come to an end in August 2019 but the company extended his contract by one more year.
“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.
Following his demise President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent his condolence to his family and the nation at large saying the country has lost a distinguished corporate leader whose contribution to the nation’s wellbeing will be missed.
“In this moment of great sorrow, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, relatives, friends and the staff of Safaricom. Bob Collymore was an accomplished corporate leader who steered Safaricom to a position of great admiration as East Africa’s most profitable company. Besides his role at Safaricom, Mr Collymore served on our Vision 2030 Board where he offered his managerial expertise in pursuit of our national development agenda.” Said the president.
“As a country, we’ve therefore lost a distinguished corporate leader whose contribution to our national wellbeing will be greatly missed. As we mourn and pay homage to this visionary and exceptional leader, let us also remember to celebrate his life and achievements. Although Bob Collymore has left us, his inspirational life will remain a great legacy, not just to Kenyans, but also to the whole world. I convey my prayers and heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Bob Collymore. May the Almighty God grant you peace and comfort as you come to terms with this tragic loss.” Added the president.
Deputy President William Ruto described Bob Collymore as a distinguished corporate titan, whose shrewd leadership at the helm of Safaricom was commendable.
“He steered the company to new heights and contributed immensely to the evolution of Kenya’s corporate scene. Collymore was exemplary, brilliant and courageous, especially in the manner he battled cancer. Condolences to his family, colleagues and friends. Rest In Peace.” He said.
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior & Coordination of National Government Fred Matiang’i said Collymore’s visionary stewardship at Safaricom positively impacted on the company and nation.
