Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore has passed on.
According to an official statement from the Safaricom Group, Bob Collymore passed away in the wee hours of the morning, in his home. The statement read, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing away of Robert (Bob) William Collymore, CEO of Safaricom PLC, which occurred at his home in the morning of 1st July 2019.”
According to reports, Collymore’s health had deteriorated in mid-2017 which led him to seek medical attention abroad. The statement pointed out, “In October 2017, Bob proceeded to the UK to receive treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and returned in July 2018 to resume duties. He has been undergoing treatment since then in different hospitals and most recently in Aga Khan University Hospital. ”
A father of four and husband to Wambui Kamiru, Collymore is praised for his work with East Africa’s largest telecommunications company Safaricom PLC. Encouraging innovation and initiatives to champion local business, the Guyanese-born executive made an undisputable impact in Kenya’s economy.
Many public figures took to social media to share their condolences:
High ranking government leaders including President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, and opposition leader Raila Odinga all praised Collymore for his work and leadership. Growing the Safaricom enterprise as a listed company on the stock exchange, Collymore’s efforts did not go unnoticed.
"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" ~ H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) July 1, 2019
Bob Collymore was 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.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 1, 2019
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.— The Raila Odinga Amolo Foundation (@RailaOdinga) July 1, 2019
Bob Collymore is survived by 4 children and a wife.
